No, 
No, 
No, 

J'RTNCETON,  N.  J. 

Division    .* 

CaSi:,.^     ASsi^         P 

Shell       Sc^on; "'  ^ 

Book,         .  ^!^ 

'     -  • 

'" 

'lie  John  yi,  Krebs  Oonatioii. 

V,  S 


V 


TJ7F, 


A^DI^o    Y 


TJ3LIS1ISD)  'S'T'J'S: 


..y/'/'K 


THE 


BAITSTB 


EVERLASTING    REST, 


BY   THE 


REV.  RICHARD  BAXTER. 


ABRIDGED   BY 

BENJAMIN  FAWCETT,  A.  M. 


PUBLISHED  BY    THE 

AMERICAN  TRACT  SOCIETY 

150  NASSAU-STREET,   NEW-YORK. 


D.  Faiishaw,  I'fliuer. 


This  volume  is  stereotyped  and  perpetuated 
through  the  liberality  of  Asa  Tenny,  Esq.  of  New 
bury,  Vt. ;  Mr.  Henry  Holmes,  of  Boston ;  Rev. 
Ebenezer  Burgess,  of  Dedham,  Mass. ;  Nicholas 
Brown,  Esq.  of  Providence  :  Matthew  Marvin,  Esq. 
of  Wilton,  Con. ;  Rev.  Dr.  Milnor,  Col.  Henry  Rut- 
gers, and  S.  C,  of  New- York ;  Hon.  Stephen  Van 
Rensselaer,  of  Albany  :  and  Rev.  Henry  Uwight,  of 
Geneva. 


CONTENTS. 

Introductory  Essay^,,  -;^  13f*X  t-^^^  ^ 

Compiler's  Prelace'|M;  rU-^jg^^  9 

Chap.  I. — The  Introduction  to  tlie  work,  with  some  ac- 
count of  the  nature  of  the  Saints'  Rest  19 
Chap.  II. — The  great  preparatives  to  the  Saints'  Rest        44 
Chap.  III. — The  excellencies  of  the  Saints'  Rest                 57 
Chap.  IV.— The  character  of  the  persons  for  whom  this 

Rest  is  designed  83 

Chap.  V. — The  great  misery  of  those  who  lose  the 

Saints'  Rest  ,  109 

Chap.  VI. — The  misery  of  those  who,  besides  losing  the 

Saints'  Rest,  lose  the  enjoyments  of  time,  and  suifer 
he  torments  of  hell  130 

Chap.  VII.— The  necessity  of  diligently  seeking  the 

Saints'  Rest  151 

Chap.  VIII. — How  to  discern  our  title  to  the  Saints' 

Rest  181 

Chap.  IX. — The  duty  of  the  people  of  God  to  excite 

others  to  seek  this  Rest  211 

Chap.  X. — The  Saints'  Rest  is  not  to  be  expected  on 

earth  242 

Chap.  XI. — The  importance  of  leading  a  heavenly  life 

upon  earth  272 

Chap.  XII. — Directions  how  to  lead  a  heavenly  life 

upon  earth  303 

Chap.  XIII. — The  nature  of  heavenly  contemplation  ; 

with  the  time,  place,  and  temper  fittest  for  it  333 

Chap.  XIV. — What  use  heavenly  contemplation  makes 

of  consideration,  affections,  soliloquy,  and  prayer        353 
Chap.  XV. — Heavenly  contemplation  assisted  by  sensi- 
ble objects,  and  guarded  against  a  treacherous  heart  379 
Chap.  XVI. — Heavenly  contemplation  exemplified,  and 

the  whole  work  concluded  406 


EXTRACTS 

FROM   AN 

INTRODUCTORY     ESSAY, 

By  THOMAS  ERSKINE,  Esa. 


We  do  not  arrogate  to  ourselves  so  much  as  to  suppose 
that  our  commendation  can  add  any  thing  to  the  authority 
of  such  a  name  as  that  of  Richard  Baxter.  He  belonged 
to  a  class  of  men  whose  characters  and  genius,  now  uni- 
versally venerated,  seem  to  have  been  most  peculiarly 
adapted,  by  Divine  Providence,  to  the  circumstances  of 
their  age  and  country.  We  do  not  speak  only  of  those  who 
partook  in  Baxter's  views  of  ecclesiastical  polity;  but  of 
those  who,  under  any  name,  maintained  the  cause  of  truth 
and  liberty  during  the  eventful  period  of  the  seventeenth 
century.  They  were  made  of  the  same  firm  stuff  with  the 
Wicklifis,  and  the  Luthers,  and  the  Knoxes,  and  the  Cran- 
mers,  and  the  Latimers,  of  a  former  age.  They  formed  a 
distinguished  division  of  the  same  glorious  army  of  refor- 
mation ;  they  encountered  similar  obstacles,  and  they  were 
directed,  and  supported,  and  animated  by  the  same  spirit. 
They  were  the  true  and  enlightened  crusaders,  who,  with 
all  the  zeal  and  courage  which  conducted  their  chivalrous 
ancestors  to  the  earthly  Jerusalem,  fought  their  way  to  the 
heavenly  city ;  and  rescuing,  by  their  sufferings  and  by 
their  labors,  the  key  of  knowledge  from  the  unworthy 
hands  in  which  it  had  long  lain  rusted  and  misused,  ge- 
nerously left  it  as  a  rich  inheritance  to  all  coming  genera- 
tions. They  speak  with  the  solemn  dignity  of  martyrs. 
They  seem  to  feel  the  importance  of  their  theme,  and  "the 
perpetual  presence  of  Him  who  is  the  great  subject  of  it. 
There  are  only  two  things  which  they  seem  to  consider  as 
S.   R.  1* 


6  INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY. 

realities— the  favor  of  God  and  the  enmity  of  God ;  and 
only  two  parties  in  the  universe  to  choose  between — the 
party  of  God  and  the  party  of  his  adversaries.  Hence  that 
heroic  and  noble  tone  which  marks  their  lives  and  their 
writings.  They  had  chosen  their  side,  and  they  knew  that 
it  was  worthy  of  all  they  could  do  or  suffer  for  it. 

The  agitated  state  of  surrounding  circumstances  gave 
them  continual  proof  of  the  instability  of  all  things  tem- 
poral, and  inculcated  on  ihem  the  necessity  of  seeking  a 
happiness  which  might  be  independent  of  external  things, 
They  thus  practically  learned  the  vanity  and  nothingness 
of  life,  except  in  its  relation  to  eternity;  and  they  declared 
to  their  fellow-creatures  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom  of 
God,  with  the  tone  of  men  who  knew  that  the  lightest  word 
which  they  spoke  outweighed,  in  the  balance  of  reason  as 
well  as  of  the  sanctuary,  the  value  of  all  earth's  plans,  and 
politics,  and  interests.  They  were  upon  high  and  firm 
ground.  They  stood  in  the  midst  of  that  tempestuous 
ocean,  secure  on  the  Rock  of  Ages ;  and  as  they  uttered  to 
those  around  them  their  invitations,  or  remonstrances,  or 
consolations,  they  thought  not  of  the  tastes,  but  of  the  ne- 
cessities of  men — they  thought  only  of  the  difference  be- 
tween being  lost  and  being  saved,  and  they  cried  aloud,  and 
spared  not. 

There  is  no  doubt  a  great  variety  of  thought,  and  feeling, 
and  expression  to  be  met  with  in  the  theological  writers  of 
that  class;  but  deep  and  solemn  seriousness  is  the  character 
of  ihem  all.  They  seem  to  have  felt  much.  Religion  was 
not  allowed  to  remain  as  an  unused  theory  in  their  heads  ; 
they  were  forced  to  live  on  it  as  their  food,  and  to  have  re- 
course to  it  as  their  only  strength  and  comfort.  Hence 
their  thoughts  are  never  given  as  abstract  views ;  they  are 
always  deeply  impregnated  with  sentiment.  Their  style 
reminds  us  of  the  light  which  streams  through  the  stained 
and  storied  windows  of  an  ancient  cathedral.  It  is  not 
light  merely,  but  light  modified  by  the  rich  hues,  and  the 
quaint  forms,  and  the  various  incidents  of  the  pictured 
medium  through  which  it  passes.  So  these  venerable 
worthies  do  not  give  us  merely  ideas,  but  ideas  colored  by 
the  deep  affections  of  their  own  hearts ;  ihey  do  not  merely 
give  us  truth,  but  truth  in  its  historical  application  to  the 
various  struggles,  and  difficulties,  and  dejections  of  their 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  7 

Strangely  checkered  lives.  This  gives  a  great  interest  to 
their  writings.  They  are  real  men,  and  not  books,  that  we 
are  conversing  with.  And  the  peace,  and  the  strength,  and 
the  hope  which  they  describe,  are  not  the  fictions  of  fancy,  but 
the  positive  and  substantial  effects  of  the  knowledge  of  God 
on  their  own  minds.  They  are  thus,  not  merely  waymarks 
to  direct  our  journeyings ;  they  seem  themselves  pilgrims 
traveling  on  the  same  road,  and  encouraging  us  to  keep 
pace  with  them.  In  their  books,  they  seem  thus  still  to  jour- 
ney, still  to  combat ;  but,  O  let  us  think  of  the  bright  reality ! 
— their  contests  are  past,  their  labors  are  over ;  they  have 
fought  the  good  fight,  and  they  are  now  at  rest,  made  perfect 
in  Christ  Jesus.  They  are  joined  to  that  cloud  of  witnesses, 
of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy  ;  and  their  names  are  in- 
scribed in  the  rolls  of  heaven  ;  yet  not  for  their  own  glory, 
but  for  the  glory  of  him  who  washed  them  from  their  sins 
in  his  own  blood,  and  whose  strength  was  made  perfect  in 
their  weakness. 

These  are  the  great  men  of  England ;  and  to  them,  under 
God,  is  England  indebted  for  much  of  that  which  is  valua- 
ble in  her  public  institutions,  and  in  the  character  of  her 
people.  They  were,  indeed,  a  noble  army ;  they  were  born 
from  above,  to  be  the  combatants  for  truth ;  they  were  placed 
in  the  gap,  and  they  held  their  ground,  or  fell  at  their  posts. 

In  this  army  Richard  Baxter  was  a  standard-bearer.  He 
labored  much,  as  well  in  preaching  as  in  writing,  and  with 
an  abundant  blessing  on  both.  He  had  all  the  high  mental 
qualities  of  his  class  in  perfection.  His  mind  is  inexhausti- 
ble, and  vigorous,  and  vivacious,  to  an  extraordinary  de- 
gree. He  seizes  irresistibly  on  the  attention,  and  carries  it 
along  with  him ;  and  we  assuredly  do  not  know  any  author 
who  can  be  compared  with  him  for  the  power  with  which 
he  brings  his  reader  directly  face  to  face  with  death,  and 
judgment,  and  eternity ;  and  compels  him  to  look  upon 
them,  and  converse  with  them.  He  is  himself  most  deeply 
serious,  and  the  holy  solemnity  of  his  own  soul  seems  to  en- 
velope the  reader,  as  with  the  air  of  a  temple. 

The  Saints'  Everlasting  Rest  was  written  on  a  bed  of 
sickness.  It  contains  those  thoughts  and  feelings  which  oc- 
cupied, and  fortified,  and  animated  the  author,  as  he  stood 
on  the  brink  of  eternity.  The  examples  of  heavenly  medi- 
tation which  he  gives,  really  breathe  of  heaven ;  and  the 


8  INTRODUCTORY    KSSAY. 

importance-  of  such  meditation,  as  a  duty,  and  as  a  mean? 
of  spiritual  growth,  is  admirably  set  forth,  and  most  power- 
fully enforced.  And  is  it  not  a  most  pernicious  madness 
and  stupidity  to  neglect  this  duty "?  Is  it  not  strange  that 
such  prospects  should  excite  so  little  interest  '^  Is  it  not 
strange  that  the  uncertainty  of  the  duration  of  life,  and  the 
certainty  of  its  sorrows,  do  not  compel  men  to  seek  refuge 
in  that  inheritance  which  is  incorruptible,  undefiled,  and 
which  fadeth  not  away?  Is  it  not  strange  that  the  offers  of 
friendship,  and  intimate  relationship,  which  God  is  continu- 
ally holding  out  to  us,  should  be  slighted,  even  in  competi- 
tion with  the  society  of  those  whom  we  cannot  but  despise 
and  reprobate?  Is  it  not  strange  that  we  should,  day  after 
day,  allow  ourselves  to  be  duped  by  the  same  false  promi- 
ses of  happiness,  which  have  disappointed  us  just  as  often 
as  they  have  been  trusted?  O  let  us  be  persuaded  that 
there  is  no  rest  in  created  things.  No ;  there  is  no  rest,  ex- 
cept in  Him  who  made  us.  Who  is  the  man  that  can  say 
he  has  found  rest  elsewhere  1  No  man  says  it.  May  God 
open  our  hearts,  as  well  as  our  understandings,  to  see  the 
truth ;  that  we  may  practically  know  the  insufficiency,  and 
nollowness,  and  insecurity  of  all  earthly  hopes  ;  and  that  we 
may  be  led,  in  simplicity  and  earnestness,  to  seek,  and  so 
to  find  our  rest  in  Himself.  T  E. 

Edinburgh,  February,  1824. 


THE 


COMPILER'S  PREFACE. 


Mr.  Richard  Baxter,  the  author  of  the  Saints'  Rest,  so 
well  known  to  the  world  by  this  and  many  other  excellent 
and  useful  writings,  was  a  learned,  laborious,  and  eminently 
holy  divine  of  the  last  age.  He  was  born  near  Shrewsbury 
in  1615,  and  died  at  London  in  1691. 

His  ministry,  in  an  unsettled  state,  was  for  many  years 
employed  with  great  and  extensive  success,  both  in  London 
and  in  several  parts  of  the  country ;  but  he  was  nowhere 
fixed  so  long,  or  with  such  entire  satisfaction  to  himself,  and 
apparent  advantage  to  others,  as  at  Kidderminster.  His 
abode  there  was  indeed  interrupted,  partly  by  his  bad  health, 
but  chiefly  by  the  calamities  of  a  civil  war,  yet  in  the  whole 
it  amounted  to  sixteen  years ;  nor  was  it  by  any  means  the 
result  of  his  own  choice,  or  that  of  the  inhabitants  of  Kid- 
derminster, that  he  never  settled  there  again,  after  his  going 
from  thence  in  1660.  Before  his  coming  thither,  the  place 
was  overrun  with  ignorance  and  profaneness ;  but,  by  the 
divine  blessing  on  his  wise  and  faithful  cultivation,  the  fruits 
of  righteousness  sprung  up  in  rich  abundance.  He  at  first 
found  but  a  single  instance  or  two  of  daily  family  prayer  in 
a  whole  street ;  and,  at  his  going  away,  but  one  family  or  two 
could  be  found  in  some  streets,  that  continued  to  neglect  it. 


10  COMI'ILKk's    rUEFACE. 

And  on  Lord's  da3'.s,  instead  of  the  open  profanation  to 
which  they  had  been  so  lone;  accustomed,  a  person,  in  pass- 
ing through  the  town  in  the  intervals  of  public  worship, 
might  overhear  hundreds  of  families  engaged  in  singing 
psalms,  reading  the  Scriptures  and  other  good  books,  or  such 
sermons  as  they  had  wrote  down  while  they  heard  theju 
from  the  pulpit.  His  care  of  the  souls  committed  to  his 
charge,  and  the  success  of  his  labors  among  them,  were  truly 
remarkable;  for  the  number  of  his  stated  communicants 
rose  to  six  hundred,  of  whom  he  himself  declared  there 
were  not  twelve  concerning  whose  sincere  piety  he  had  not 
reason  to  entertain  good  hopes.  Blessed  be  God,  the  religious 
spirit  which  was  thus  happily  introduced,  is  yet  to  be  traced 
in  the  town  and  neighborhood  in  some  degree ;  (O  that  it 
were  in  a  greater !)  and  in  proportion  as  that  spirit  remains, 
the  name  of  Mr.  Baxter  continues  in  the  most  honorable  and 
affectionate  remembrance. 

•  As  a  writer,  he  has  the  approbation  of  some  of  his  greatest 
contemporaries,  who  best  knew  him,  and  were  under  no 
temptations  to  be  partial  in  his  favor.  Dr.  Barrow  said, 
"  His  practical  writings  were  never  mended,  and  his  con- 
troversial ones  seldom  confuted."  With  a  view  to  his  casu- 
istical writings,  the  honorable  Robert  Boyle  declared,  "  He 
was  the  fittest  man  of  the  age  for  a  casuist,  because  he  fear- 
ed no  man's  displeasure,  nor  hoped  for  any  man's  prefer- 
ment." Bishop  Wilkins  observed  of  him,  "  that  he  had  cul- 
tivated every  subject  he  had  handled  ;  that  if  he  had  lived 
in  the  primitive  times,  he  would  have  been  one  of  the  fathers 
of  the  church ;  and  that  it  was  enough  for  one  age  to  pro- 
duce such  a  person  as  Mr.  Baxter."  Archbishop  Usher  had 
such  high  thoughts  of  him,  that  by  his  earnest  importunity 
he  put  him  upon  writing  several  of  his  practical  discourses, 
particularly  that  celebrated  piece,  his  Call  to  the  Unconvert- 
ed.   Dr.  Man  ton,  as  he  freely  expressed  it,  "  thought  Mr. 


COr.lPILER  S    PREFACE.  11 

Baxter  came  nearer  the  apostolical  writings  than  any  man 
m  the  age."  And  it  is  both  as  a  preacher  and  a  writer  that 
Dr.  Bates  considers  him,  when,  in  his  funeral  sermon  for 
him,  he  says,  "  In  his  sermons  there  was  a  rare  union  of  ar- 
guments and  motives  to  convince  the  mind  and  gain  the 
heart.  All  the  fovmtains  of  reason  and  persuasion  were  open 
to  his  discerning  eye.  There  was  no  resisting  the  force  of 
his  discourses,  without  denying  reason  and  divine  revela- 
tion. He  had  a  marvellous  facility  and  copiousness  in  speak- 
ing. There  was  a  noble  negligence  in  his  style,  for  his  great 
mind  could  not  stoop  to  the  atfected  eloquence  of  words ;  he 
despised  flashy  oratory,  but  his  expressions  were  clear  and 
powerful ;  so  convincing  the  understanding,  so  entering  into 
the  soul,  so  engaging  the  affections,  that  those  were  as  deaf 
as  adders  who  were  not  charmed  by  so  wise  a  charmer.  He 
was  animated  with  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  breathed  celestial 
fire,  to  inspire  heat  and  life  into  dead  sinners,  and  to  melt 
the  obdurate  in  their  frozen  tombs.  His  books,  for  their 
number,  (which  it  seems  were  more  than  one  hundred  and 
twenty,)  and  variety  of  matter  in  them,  make  a  library. 
They  contain  a  treasure  of  controversial,  casuistical,  and 
practical  divinity.  His  books  of  practical  divinity  have  been 
effectual  for  more  numerous  conversions  of  sinners  to  God, 
than  any  printed  in  our  time ;  and  while  the  church  remains 
on  earth,  will  be  of  continual  efficacy  to  recover  lost  souls. 
There  is  a  vigorous  pulse  in  them,  that  keeps  the  reader 
awake  and  attentive.  To  these  testimonies  may  not  impro- 
perly be  added  that  of  the  editors  of  his  practical  works  in 
four  folio  volumes  ;  in  the  preface  to  which  they  say,  "  Per- 
haps there  are  no  writings  among  us  that  have  more  of  a 
true  Christian  spirit,  a  greater  mixture  of  judgment  and  af- 
fection, or  a  greater  tendency  to  revive  pure  and  undefiled 
religion ;  that  have  been  more  esteemed  abroad,  or  more 
blessed  at  home,  for  awakening  the  secure,  instructing  the 
ignorant,  confirming  the  wavering,  comforting  the  dejected, 


12  compiler's  preface. 

recovering  the  profane,  or  improving  such  as  are  truly  -se- 
rious, than  the  practical  works  of  this  author."  Such  were 
the  apprehensions  of  eminent  persons,  who  were  well  ac- 
quainted with  Mr.  Baxter  and  his  writings.  It  is  therefore 
the  less  remarkable  that  Mr.  Addison,  from  an  accidental 
and  very  imperfect  acquaintance,  but  with  his  usual  plea- 
santness and  candor,  should  mention  the  following  incident: 
"  I  once  met  with  a  page  of  Mr.  Baxter.  Upon  the  perusal 
of  it,  I  conceived  so  good  an  idea  of  the  author's  piety,  that 
I  bought  the  whole  book." 

Whatever  other  causes  might  concur,  it  must  chiefly  be  as- 
cribed to  Mr.  Baxter's  distinguished  reputation  as  a  preach- 
er and  a  writer,  that,  presently  after  the  restoration,  he  was 
appointed  one  of  the  chaplains  in  ordinary  to  King  Charles 
II.  and  preached  once  before  him  in  that  capacity;  as  also 
that  he  had  an  offer  made  him,  by  the  Lord  Chancellor  Cla- 
rendon, of  the  bishopric  of  Hereford,  which,  in  a  respectful 
letter  to  his  lordship,  he  saw  proper  to  decline. 

The  Saints'  Rest  is  deservedly  esteemed  one  of  the  most 
valuable  parts  of  his  practical  works.  He  wrote  it  when  he 
was  far  from  home,  without  any  book  to  consult  but  his  Bi- 
ble, and  in  such  an  ill  state  of  health  as  to  be  in  continual 
expectation  of  death  for  many  months  ;  and  therefore,  mere- 
ly for  his  own  use,  he  fixed  his  thoughts  on  this  heavenly 
subject,  "  which,"  says  he,  "hath  more  benefited  me  than  all 
the  studies  of  my  life."  At  this  time  he  could  be  little  more 
than  thirty  years  old.  He  afterwards  preached  over  the  sub- 
ject ill  his  weekly  lecture  at  Kidderminster,  and  in  1G50  he 
published  it ;  and  indeed  it  appears  to  have  been  the  first  that 
ever  he  published  of  all  his  practical  writings.  Of  this  book 
Dr.  Bates  says,  "  It  was  written  by  him  when  languishing 
in  the  suspense  of  life  and  death,  but  has  the  signatures  of 
his  holy  and  vigorous  mind.  To  allure  our  desires,  he  un- 
veils the  sanctury  above,  and  discovers  the  glories  and  joys 


13 

of  the  blessed  in  the  Divine  Presence,  by  a  light  so  strong 
and  lively,  that  all  the  glittering  vanities  of  this  world  va- 
nish in  that  comparison,  and  a  sincere  believer  will  despise 
them,  as  one  of  mature  age  does  the  toys  and  baubles  of  chil- 
dren. To  excite  our  fear,  he  removes  the  screen,  and  makes 
the  everlasting  fire  of  hell  so  visible,  and  represents  the  tor- 
menting passions  of  the  damned  in  those  dreadful  colors, 
that,  if  duly  considered,  would  check  and  control  the  unbri-, 
died,  licentious  appetites  of  the  most  sensual  wretches." 

Heavenly  rest  is  a  subject  in  its  own  nature  so  universally 
important  and  interesting,  and  at  the  same  time  so  truly  en- 
gaging and  delightful,  as  sufficiently  accounts  for  the  great 
acceptance  which  this  book  has  met  with ;  and  partly,  also, 
for  the  uncommon  blessing  which  has  attended  Mr.  Baxter's 
manner  of  treating  the  subject,  both  from  the  pulpit  and  the 
press.  For  where  are  the  operations  of  dieine  grace  more 
reasonably  to  be  expected,  or  where  have  they,  in  fact,  been 
more  frequently  discerned,  than  in  concurrence  with  the 
best  adapted  means  *?  And  should  it  appear  that  persons  of 
distinguishing  judgment  and  piety  have  expressly  ascribed 
their  first  religious  impressions  to  the  hearing  or  reading  the 
important  sentiments  contained  in  this  book;  or,  after  a  long 
series  of  years,  have  found  it  both  the  counterpart  and  the 
improvement  of  their  own  divine  life;  will  not  this  be 
thought  a  considerable  recommendation  of  the  book  itself? 

Among  the  instances  of  persons  that  dated  their  true  con- 
version from  hearing  the  sermons  on  the  Saints'  Rest,  when 
Mr.  Baxter  first  preached  them,  was  th^  Rev.  Thomas  Doo- 
little,  M.  A.  who  was  a  native  of  Kidderminster,  and  at  that 
time  a  scholar  about  seventeen  5'ears  old  ;  whom  Mr.  Bax- 
ter himself  afterward  sent  to  Pembroke  Hall,  in  Cambridge, 
where  he  took  his  degree.  Before  his  going  to  the  university, 
he  was  upon  trial  as  an  attorney's  clerk,  and  under  that 
character,  being  ordered  by  his  master  to  write  something 


j4  compiler's  preface. 

T      V   ^cv  hP  obeved  with  great  reluctance,  and  the 

as  a  minister,  a  tutor,  and  a  writer. 

T      V    vfo  nf  thp  Rev.  John  Janeway,  Fellow  of  King's 

conversion  «as,  ^<^ ^^^'fJ^^Zli  And  in  a  leuer  which 
i„g  several  parts  °f  *<'/"";;,^^e,Ipeaking  with  a  more 
he  afterwards  wrote  to  a  nea.  relative,  P         S^,^^  ^^^^^^  ^^ 

ness,  manner,  and  directions,  i  Baxter's 

fore,  but  had  it  ^I^^  P-^«C  can  scared  be  overva- 
Saints-  Everlasting  Rest,  a  ^"fj"'-''^     ^^      Q^a.    This 

,„ed.  for  which  I  ^-^.^-tiff  is  ;o„h -^  -"»  '' 

excellent  young  »"»^'"  ^f  '^  ,     aged  in  heavenly 

:srtirattC"^-----"'^^^^'^^^^ 

Rest. 

V.       ov^r^iP  nf  heavenly  contemplation,  at  the  close 

sr^-r^ai^inTr.-  -  or  ood,  ho,  m. 

Bnxter," 
Dr.  Bate,  in  his  dedication  of  hisfuneral  sermon  for  Mr. 


compiler's  preface.  15 

Baxter  to  Sir  Henry  Ashurst,  tells  that  religious  gentleman 
and  most  distinguished  friend  and  executor  of  Mr.  Baxter, 
"  He  W3LS  most  worthy  of  your  highest  esteem  and  love  ;  for 
the  first  impressions  of  heaven  upon  your  soul  were  in  read- 
ing his  invaluable  book  of  the  Saints'  Everlasting  Rest. 

In  the  life  of  the  Rev.  Matthew  Henry  we  have  the  follow- 
ing character  given  us  of  Robert  Warburton,  Esq.  of  Grange, 
the  son  of  the  eminently  religious  Judge  Warburton,  and  the 
father  of  Mr.  Matthew  Henry's  second  wife.  "  He  was  a 
gentleman  that  greatly  affected  retirement  and  privacy,  espe- 
cially in  the  latter  part  of  his  life ;  the  Bible,  and  Mr.  Bax- 
ter's Saints'  Everlasting  Rest,  used  to  lie  daily  before  him 
on  the  table  in  his  parlor ;  he  spent  the  greatest  part  of  his 
time  in  reading  and  prayer." 


Sir  Nathaniel  Barnardiston,  we  are  told  that  "  he  was  con- 
stant in  secret  prayer  and  reading  the  Scriptures ;  afterward 
he  read  other  choice  authors;  but  not  long  before  his  death 
he  took  a  singular  delight  to  read  Mr.  Baxter's  Saints'  Ever- 
lasting Rest,  and  preparations  thereunto ;  which  was  es- 
teemed a  gracious  event  of  Divine  Providence,  sending  it 
as  a  guide  to  bring  him  more  speedily  and  directly  to  that 
rest." 

Besides  persons  of  eminence,  to  whom  this  book  has  been 
precious  and  profitable,  we  have  an  instance,  in  the  Rev. 
James  Janeway's  Token  for  Children,  of  a  little  boy,  whose 
piety  was  so  discovered  and  promoted  by  reading  it,  as  the 
most  delightful  book  to  him,  next  the  Bible,  that  the  thoughts 
of  everlasting  rest  seemed,  even  while  he  continued  in 
health,  to  swallow  up  all  other  thoughts ;  and  he  lived  in  a 
constant  preparation  for  it,  and  looked  more  like  one  that 


16  COMPILERS    PREFACE. 

was  ripe  forglor}-,  than  an  inhabitant  of  tliib  lower  worKl. 
And  when  he  was  in  the  sickness  of  which  he  died  before 
he  was  twelve  years  old,  he  said,  "  I  pray,  let  me  have  Mr 
Bajcter's  book,  that  1  may  read  a  little  more  of  eternity  be- 
fore I  go  into  it." 

Nor  is  it  less  observable  that  Mr.  Baxter  himself,  taking 
notice,  in  a  paper  found  in  his  study  after  his  death,  what 
numfeer  of  persons  were  converted  by  reading  his  Call  to 
the  Unconverted,  accounts  of  which  he  had  received  by  let- 
ter every  week,  expressly  adds,  "  This  little  book,  the  Call 
to  the  Unconverted,  God  hath  blessed  with  tmexpected  suc- 
cess, beyond  all  that  I  have  written,  except  the  Saints'  Rest." 
With  an  evident  reference  to  this  hook,  and  even  during  the 
life  of  the  author,  the  pious  Mr.  Flavel  affectionately  says, 
'•  Mr.  Baxter  is  almost  in  heaven— living  in  the  daily  views 
and  cheerful  expectation  of  the  saints'  everlasting  rest  with 
God ;  and  is  left  for  a  little  while  among  us,  as  a  great  ex- 
ample of  the  life  of  faith."  And  Mr.  Baxter  himself  says, 
in  his  preface  to  his  Treatise  of  Self-Denial,  "  I  must  say, 
that  of  all  the  books  which  I  have  written,  I  peruse  none  so 
often  for  the  use  of  my  own  soul  in  its  daily  work,  as  my 
Life  of  Faith,  this  of  Self-Denial,  and  the  last  part  of  the 
Saints'  Rest."  On  the  whole,  it  is  not  without  good  reason 
that  Dr.  Calamy  remarks  concerning  it,  "  This  is  a  book, 
for  which  multitudes  will  have  cause  to  bless  God  for  ever," 

This  excellent  and  useful  book  now  appears  in  the  form 
of  an  abridgment ;  and  therefore,  it  is  presumed,  will  be  the 
more  likely,  under  the  divine  blessing,  to  diffuse  its  salutary 
influence  among  those  that  would  otherwise  have  wanted 
opportunity  or  inclination  to  read  over  the  larger  volume 
In  reducing  it  to  this  smaller  size,  I  have  been  very  desirou? 
to  do  justice  to  the  author,  and  at  Lhe  same  time  promote  tht- 


compiler's  preface.  17 

pleasure  and  profit  of  the  serious  reader.  And  I  hope  these 
ends  are,  in  some  measure,  answered;  chiefly  by  dropping 
thinj:fs  of  a  digressive,  controversial,  or  metaphysical  na- 
ture ;  together  with  prefaces,  dedications,  and  various  allu- 
sions to  some  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  last  age ;  and 
particularly  by  throwing  several  chapters  into  one,  that  the 
number  of  them  may  better  correspond  with  the  size  of  the 
volume ;  and  sometimes  by  altering  the  form,  but  not  the 
sense,  of  a  period,  for  the  sake  of  brevity  ;  and  when  an  ob- 
solete phrase  occurred,  changing  it  for  one  more  common 
and  intelligible.  I  should  never  have  thought  of  attempting 
this  work,  if  it  had  not  been  suggested  and  urged  by  others ; 
and  by  some  very  respectable  names,  of  whose  learning, 
judgment,  and  piety  I  forbear  to  avail  myself.  However  de- 
fective this  performance  may  appear,  the  labor  of  it  (if  it 
maybe  called  a  labor)  has  been,  I  bless  God,  one  of  the  most 
delightful  labors  of  my  life. 

Certainly  the  thoughts  of  everlasting  rest  may  be  as  de- 
lightful to  souls  in  the  present  day,  as  they  have  ever  been 
to  those  of  past  generations.  I  am  sure  such  thoughts  are  as 
absolutely  necessary  now;  nor  are  temptations  to  neglect 
them  either  fewer  or  weaker  than  formerly.  The  worth  of 
everlasting  rest  is  not  felt,  because  a  thousand  trifles  are 
preferred  before  it.  But  were  the  divine  reasonings  of  this 
book  duly  attended  to,  (and  O  that  the  Spirit  and  grace  of  a 
Redeemer  may  make  them  so!)  then  an  age  of  vanity  would 
become  serious ;  minds  enervated  by  sensuality  would  soon 
resume  the  strength  of  reason,  and  display  the  excellence  of 
Christianity ;  the  delusive  names  of  pleasure  would  be  blot- 
ted out  by  the  glorious  reality  of  heavenly  joy  upon  earth ; 
every  station  and  relation  in  life  would  be  filled  up  with  the 
propriety  and  dignity  of  serious  religion ;  every  member  of 
society  would  then  effectually  contribute  to  the  beauty  and 
2* 


18  compiler's  preface. 

happiness  of  the  whole  ;  and  every  soul  would  be  ready  for 
life  or  death,  for  one  world  or  another,  in  a  well-grounded 
and  cheerful  persuasion  of  having  secured  a  title  to  that 
rest  which  remaineth  to  the  people  of  God. 

B.  F. 

Kidderminster,  Dec  25th,  1758. 


SAlSfTS'   EVERLASTING   BEST. 


HEBREWS,  4  :  9. 

THERE  REMAINETH  THEREFORE  A  REST  UNTO  THE 

PEOPLE   OP  GOD. 


CHAPTER  I. 


THE  INTRODUCTION  TO   -Ae  WORK,   WITH  SOME  ACCOUNT  OP 
THE  NATURE   OP  THE  SAINTS*  REST. 

7%e  important  design  of  the  apostle  in  the  text,  to  which  the 
author  earnestly  bespeaks  the  attention  of  the  reader.  The 
saints^  rest  defined,  with  a  general  plan  of  the  work.  What 
this  rest  presupposes.  The  author'' s  humble  sense  of  his  ina- 
bilitij  fully  to  show  what  this  rest  contains.  It  contains,  1,  A 
ceasing  from  means  of  grace ;  2,  A  perfect  freedom  from  all 
evils ;  3.  The  highest  degree  of  the  saints^  personal  perfec- 
tion, both  in  body  and  soul ;  4-  The  nearest  enjoyment  of 
God,  the  chief  good ;  5.  A  sweet  and  constant  action  of  all  the 
powers  of  soul  and  body  in  this  enjoyment  of  God ;  as,  for 
instance,  bodily  senses,  knowledge,  memory,  love,  joy,  toge- 
ther with  a  mutual  love  and  joy. 

It  was  not  only  our  interest  in  God,  and  actual 
enjoyment  of  him,  which  was  lost  in  Adam's  fall,  but 
all  spiritual  knowledge  of  him,  and  true  disposition 
toward  such  a  felicity.   When  the  Son  of  God  comes 


2C  NATURE    OF 

with  recovering  grace,  and  discoveries  of  a  spiritual 
and  eternal  happiness  and  glory,  he  finds  not  faith 
in  man  to  believe  it.  As  the  poor  man,  that  would 
not  believe  any  one  had  such  a  sum  as  a  hundred 
pounds,  it  was  so  far  above  what  himself  possessed, 
so  men  will  hardly  now  believe  there  is  such  a  hap- 
piness as  once  they  had,  much  less  as  Christ  hath 
now  procured.  When  God  would  give  the  Israelites 
his  Sabbaths  of  rest,  in  a  land  of  rest,  he  had  more 
ado  to  make  them  believe  it,  than  to  overcome  their 
enemies,  and  procure  it  for  them.  And  when  they 
had  it,  only  as  a  small  intimation  and  earnest  of  an 
incomparably  more  glorious  •rest  through  Christ, 
they  yet  believe  no  more  than  they  possess,  but  say, 
with  the  glutton  at  the  feast,  Sure  there  is  no  other 
heaven  but  this  !  or,  if  they  expect  more  by  the  Mes- 
siah, it  is  only  the  increase  of  their  earthly  felicity. 
The  apostle  oestows  most  of  this  Epistle  against  this 
distemper,  and  clearly  and  largely  proves  that  the 
end  of  all  ceremonies  and  shadows  is  to  direct  them 
to  Jesus  Christ,  the  substance ;  and  that  the  rest  of 
Sabbaths,  and  Canaan,  should  teach  them  to  look 
for  a  further  rest,  which  indeed  is  their  happiness. 
My  text  is  his  conclusion  after  divers  arguments ;  a 
conclusion  which  contains  the  ground  of  all  the  be- 
liever's comfort,  the  end  of  all  his  duty  and  suffer- 
ings, the  life  and  sum  of  all  Gospel  promises  and 
Christian  privileges.  What  more  welcome  to  men, 
under  personal  afflictions,  tiring  duties,  successions 


THE    saints'    rest.  21 

oi  sufferings,  than  rest?  It  is  not  our  comfort  only, 
but  our  stability.  Our  liveliness  in  all  duties,  our  en- 
during tribulation,  our  honoring  of  God,  the  vigor 
of  our  love,  thankfulness,  and  all  our  graces ;  yea, 
the  very  being  of  our  religion  and  Christianity  de- 
pend on  the  believing  serious  thoughts  of  our  rest. 
And  now,  reader,  whatever  thou  art,  young  or  old, 
rich  or  poor,  I  entreat  thee,  and  charge  thee,  in  the 
name  of  thy  Lord,  who  will  shortly  call  thee  to  a 
reckoning,  and  judge  thee  to  thy  everlasting,  un- 
changeable state,  that  thou  give  not  these  things  the 
reading  only,  and  so  dismiss  them  with  a  bare  ap- 
probation ;  but  that  thou  set  upon  this  work,  and  take 
God  in  Christ  for  thy  only  rest,  and  fix  thy  heart 
upon  him  above  all.  May  the  living  God,  who  is 
the  portion  and  rest  of  his  saints,  make  these  our 
carnal  minds  so  spiritual,  and  our  earthly  hearts  so 
heavenly,  that  loving  him,  and  delighting  in  him, 
may  be  the  work  of  our  lives ;  and  that  neither  I  that 
write,  nor  you  that  read,  this  book,  may  ever  be 
turned  from  this  path  of  life ;  lest,  a  promise  being 
left  us  of  entering  into  his  rest,  we  should  come  short 
of  it,  through  our  own  unbelief  or  negligence. 

The  saints'  rest  is  the  most  happy  state  of  a  Chris- 
tian; or,  it  is  the  perfect  endless  enjoyment  of  God 
by  the  perfected  saints,  according  to  the  measure  of 
their  capacity  to  which  their  souls  arrive  at  death, 
and  both  soul  and  body  most  fully,  after  the  resur- 
rection and  final  judgment.  According  to  this  defini- 


22  NATURE    OF 

tion  of  the  saints'  rest,  a  larg-er  accoimt  of  its  nature 
will  be  given  in  this  chapter;  of  its  preparatives, 
chap.  2 ;  its  excellencies,  chap.  3 ;  and  chap.  4,  the 
persons  for  whom  it  is  designed.  Further  to  illus- 
trate the  subject,  some  description  will  be  given,  chap. 
5,  of  their  misery  who  lose  this  rest ;  and,  chap.  6, 
who  also  lose  the  enjoyments  of  time,  and  suffer  the 
torments  of  hell.  Next  will  be  showed,  chap.  7,  the 
necessity  of  diligently  seeking  this  rest ;  chap.  8,  how 
our  title  to  it  may  be  discerned ;  chap.  9,  that  they 
who  discern  their  title  to  it  should  help  those  that 
cannot ;  and,  chap.  1 0,  that  this  rest  is  not  to  be  ex- 
pected on  earth.  It  will  then  be  proper  to  consider, 
chap.  11,  the  importance  of  a  heavenly  life  upon 
earth;  chap.  12,  how  to  live  a  heavenly  life  upon 
earth;  chap.  13,  the  nature  of  heavenly  contempla- 
tion, with  the  time,  place,  and  temper  fittest  for  it ; 
chap.  14,  what  use  heavenly  contemplation  makes 
of  consideration,  affections,  soliloquy  and  prayer ; 
and  likewise,  chap.  1 5,  how  heavenly  contemplation 
may  be  assisted  by  sensible  objects,  and  guarded 
against  a  treacherous  heart.  Heavenly  contempla- 
tion will  be  exemplified,  chap.  16,  and  the  whole 
work  concluded. 

There  are  some  things  necessarily  presupposed 
in  the  nature  of  this  rest ;  as,  for  instance,  that  mor- 
tal men  are  the  persons  seeking  it.  For  angels  and 
glorified  spirits  have  it  already,  and  the  devils  and 
Jamned  are  past  hope.    That  they  choose  God  only 


THE    SAINTS     REST.  23 

fot  their  end  and  happiness.  He  that  takes  any  thing 
else  for  his  happiness  is  out  of  the  way  the  first  step. — 
That  they  are  distant  from  this  end.  This  is  the  wo- 
ful  case  of  all  mankind  since  the  fall.  When  Christ 
comes  with  regenerating  grace,  he  finds  no  man  sit- 
ting still,  but  all  posting  to  eternal  ruin,  and  making 
haste  toward  hell ;  till,  by  conviction,  he  first  brings 
them  to  a  stand,  and  then,  by  conversion,  turns  their 
hearts  and  lives  sincerely  to  himself.  This  end,  and 
its  excellency,  is  supposed  to  be  known,  and  serious- 
ly intended.  An  unknown  good  moves  not  to  desire 
or  endeavor.  And  not  only  a  distance  from  this  rest, 
but  the  true  knowledge  of  this  distance,  is  also  sup- 
posed. They  that  never  yet  knew  they  were  without 
God,  and  in  the  way  to  hell,  did  never  yet  know  the 
way  to  heaven.  Can  a  man  find  he  hath  lost  his 
God  and  his  soul,  and  not  cry,  I  am  undone  ?  The 
reason  why  so  few  obtain  this  rest,  is,  they  will  not 
be  convinced  that  they  are,  in  point  of  title,  distant 
from  it ;  and,  in  point  of  practice,  contrary  to  it.  Who 
ever  sought  for  that  which  he  knew  not  he  had  lost? 
"  They  that  be  whole  need  not  a  physician,  but  they 
that  be  sick." — The  influence  of  a  superior  moving 
cause  is  also  supposed  ^  else  we  shall  all  stand  still, 
and  not  move  toward  our  rest.  If  God  move  us  not, 
we  cannot  move.  It  is  a  most  necessary  part  of  our 
Christian  wisdom,  to  keep  our  subordination  to  God, 
and  dependance  on  him.  "  We  are  not  sufficient  of 
ourselves  to  thmk  any  thing  as  of  ourselves,  but  our 


24  NATURE    OF 

sufficiency  is  of  God."  "  Without  me,"  says  Christ, 
"  ye  can  do  nothing," — It  is  next  supposed,  that  they 
who  seek  this  rest  have  an  inward  principle  of  spi- 
ritual life.  God  does  not  move  men  like  stones,  but 
he  endows  them  with  life,  not  to  enable  them  to 
move  without  him,  but  in  subordination  to  himself, 
the  first  mover.  And  further,  this  rest  supposes  such 
an  actual  tendency  of  soul  toward  it  as  is  regular 
and  constant,  earnest  and  laborious.  He  that  hides 
his  talent  shall  receive  the  wages  of  a  slothful  ser- 
vant. Christ  is  the  door,  the  only  way  to  this  rest. 
"  But  strait  is  the  gate  and  narrow  is  the  way;"  and 
we  must  strive,  if  we  will  enter ;  for  *'  many  will 
seek  to  enter  in,  and  shall  not  be  able ;"  which  im- 
plies, "that  the  kingdom  of  heaven  sufl^ereth  vio- 
lence." Nor  will  it  bring  us  to  the  end  of  the  saints, 
if  we  begin  in  the  spirit  and  end  in  the  flesh.  He 
only  "  that  endureth  to  the  end  shall  be  saved."  And 
never  did  a  soul  obtain  rest  with  God  whose  desire 
was  not  set  upon  him  above  all  things  else  in  the 
world.  "  Where  your  treasure  is,  there  will  your 
heart  be  also."  The  remainder  of  our  old  nature 
will  much  weaken  and  interrupt  these  desires,  but 
never  overcome  them.  And,  considering  the  opposi- 
tion to  our  desires,  from  the  contrary  principles  in  our 
nature,  and  from  the  weakness  of  our  graces,  together 
with  our  continued  distance  from  the  end,  our  ten- 
dency to  that  end  must  be  laborious,  and  with  all  our 
might.— All  these  things  are  pre-supposed,  in  order  to- 


THE  saints'   kest.  25 

a  Christian's  obtaining  an  interest  in  heavenly  rest. 

Now  we  have  ascended  these  steps  into  the  out- 
ward court,  may  we  look  within  the  veil  ?  May  we 
show  what  this  rest  contains,  as  well  as  what  it  pre- 
supposes 1  Alas  !  how  little  know  I  of  that  glory ! 
The  glimpse  which  Paul  had,  contained  what  could 
not,  or  must  not,  be  uttered.  Had  he  spoken  the 
things  of  heaven  in  the  language  of  heaven,  and 
none  understood  that  language,  what  the  better? 
The  Lord  revealed  to  me  what  I  may  reveal  to  you  ! 
The  Lord  open  some  light,  and  show  both  you  and 
me  our  inheritance !  Not  as  to  Balaam  only,  whose 
eyes  were  opened  to  see  the  goodliness  of  Jacob's 
tents,  and  Israel's  tabernacles,  where  he  had  no  por- 
tion, and  from  whence  must  come  his  own  destruc- 
tion ;  not  as  to  Moses,  who  had  only  a  discovery  in- 
stead of  possession,  and  saw  the  land  which  he  never 
entered ;  but  as  the  pearl  was  revealed  to  the  mer- 
chant in  the  Gospel,  who  rested  not  till  he  had  sold 
all  he  had,  and  bought  it ;  and  as  heaven  was  opened 
to  blessed  Stephen,  which  he  was  shortly  to  enter, 
and  the  glory  showed  him  which  should  be  his  own 
possession ! — The  things  contained  in  heavenly  rest 
are  such  as  these  : — a  ceasing  from  means  of  grace ; 
a  perfect  freedom  from  all  evils;  the  highest  degree 
of  the  saints'  personal  perfection,  both  of  body  and 
soul;  the  nearest  enjoyment  of  God,  the  chief  good; 
and  a  sweet  and  constant  action  of  all  the  powers  of 
body  and  soul  in  this  enjoyment  of  God. 

s.    R.  3 


26  NATURE    OF 

1.  One  thing  contained  in  heavenly  rest,  is,  the 
ceasing  from  means  of  grace.  When  we  have  ob- 
tained the  haven,  we  have  done  sailing.  When  the 
workman  receives  his  wages,  it  is  implied  he  has 
done  his  work.  When  we  are  at  our  journey's  end, 
we  have  done  with  the  way.  Whether  prophecies, 
they  shall  fail ;  whether  tongues,  they  shall  cease ; 
Avhether  knowledge,  it  also,  so  far  as  it  had  the  na- 
ture of  means,  shall  vanish  away.  There  shall  be 
no  more  prayer,  because  no  more  necessity,  but  the 
full  enjoyment  of  what  we  prayed  for :  neither  shall 
we  need  to  fast,  and  weep,  and  watch  any  more,  be- 
ing out  of  the  reach  of  sin  and  temptations.  Preach- 
ing is  done  ;  the  ministry  of  man  ceaseth ;  ordinances 
become  useless ;  the  laborers  are  called  in,  because 
the  harvest  is  gathered,  the  tares  burned,  and  the 
work  finished ;  the  unregenerate  past  hope,  and  the 
saints  past  fear,  for  ever. 

2.  There  is  in  heavenly  rest  a  perfect  freedom 
from  all  evils;  all  the  evils  that  accompanied  us 
through  our  course,  and  which  necessarily  follow 
our  absence  from  the  chief  good :  besides  our  free- 
dom from  those  eternal  flames  and  restless  miseries 
which  the  neglecters  of  Christ  and  grace  must  for 
ever  endure ;  a  wofui  inheritance,  which,  both  by 
birth  and  actual  merit,  was  due  to  us  as  well  as  to 
them !  In  heaven  there  is  nothing  that  defileth  or  is 
unclean.  All  thai  remains  without.  And  doubtless 
there  is  not  such  a  thing  as  grief  and  sorrow  known 


THE  saints'   rest.  27 

there :  nor  is  there  such  a  thing  as  a  pale  face,  a  lan- 
guid body,  feeble  joints,  unable  infancy,  decrepit  age, 
peccant  humors,  painful  or  pining  sickness,  griping 
fears,  consuming  cares,  nor  whatsoever  deserves  the 
name  of  evil.  We  did  weep  and  lament  when  the 
world  did  rejoice ;  but  our  sorrow  is  turned  to  joy, 
and  our  joy  shall  no  man  take  from  us. 

3.  Another  ingredient  of  this  rest  is,  the  highest 
degree  of  the  saints^  personal  'perfection,  both  of  body 
and  soul.  Were  the  glory  ever  so  great,  and  them- 
selves not  made  capable  of  it  by  a  personal  perfec- 
tion suitable  thereto,  it  would  be  little  to  them.  "  Eye 
hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered 
into  the  heart  of  man,  the  things  which  God  hath 
prepared  for  them  that  love  him."  For,  the  eye  of 
flesh  is  not  capable  of  seeing  them,  nor  this  ear  of 
hearing  them,  nor  this  heart  of  understanding  them : 
but  there  the  eye,  and  ear,  and  heart  are  made  ca- 
pable ;  else,  how  do  they  enjoy  them  %  The  more 
perfect  the  sight  is,  the  more  delightful  the  beautiful 
object.  The  more  perfect  the  appetite,  the  sweeter 
the  food.  The  more  musical  the  ear,  the  more  plea- 
sant the  melody.  The  more  perfect  the  soul,  the 
more  joyous  those  joys,  and  the  more  glorious,  to 
us,  is  that  glory. 

4.  The  principal  part  of  this  rest  is  our  nearest 
enjoyment  of  God,  the  chief  good.  And  here,  reader, 
wonder  not  if  I  be  at  a  loss,  and  if  my  apprehen- 
sions receive  but  little  of  that  which  is  in  my  ex- 


28  NATURE    OF 

pressions.  If  it  did  not  appear  to  the  beloved  dis- 
ciple what  we  shall  be,  but  only,  in  general,  "  that 
when  Christ  shall  appear  we  shall  be  like  him,"  no 
wonder  if  I  know  little.  When  I  know  so  little  of 
God,  I  cannot  much  know  what  it  is  to  enjoy  him. 
If  I  know  so  little  of  spirits,  how  little  of  the  Father 
of  spirits,  or  the  state  of  my  own  soul,  when  advanc- 
ed to  the  enjoyment  of  him  !  I  stand  and  look  up 
on  a  heap  of  ants,  and  see  them  all  with  one  view ; 
they  know  not  me,  my  being,  nature,  or  thoughts, 
though  I  am  their  fellow-creature ;  how  little,  then, 
must  we  know  of  the  great  Creator,  though  he,  with 
one  view,  clearly  beholds  us  all !  A  glimpse,  the 
saints  behold  as  in  a  glass,  which  makes  us  capable 
of  some  poor,  dark  apprehensions  of  what  we  shall 
behold  in  glory.  If  I  should  tell  a  worldling  what 
the  holiness  and  spiritual  joys  of  the  saints  on  earth 
are,  he  cannot  know ;  for  grace  cannot  be  clearly 
know^n  without  grace ;  how  much  less  could  he  con- 
ceive it,  should  I  tell  him  of  this  glory !  But  to  the 
saints  I  may  be  somewhat  more  encouraged  to  speak ; 
for  grace  gives  them  a  dark  knowledge  and  slight 
taste  of  glory.  If  men  and  angels  should  study  to 
speak  the  blessedness  of  that  state  in  one  word,  what 
could  they  say  beyond  this,  that  it  is  the  nearest  en- 
joyment of  God?  Othe  full  joys  offered  to  a  believer 
in  that  one  sentence  of  Christ ;  "  Father,  I  will  that 
those  whom  thou  hast  given  me  be  with  me  where 
I  am,  that  they  may  behold  my  glory  Avhich  thou 


I 


THE  SAINTS    REST.  29 

hast  given  me !"  Every  word  is  full  of  life  and  joy. 
If  the  queen  of  Sheba  had  cause  to  say  of  Solomon's 
glory,  "  Happy  are  thy  men,  happy  are  these  thy 
servants,  who  stand  continually  before  thee,  and  hear 
thy  wisdom;"  then,  surely,  they  that  stand  continu- 
ally before  God,  and  see  his  glory,  and  the  glory  of 
the  Lamb,  are  more  than  happy.  To  them  will 
Christ  give  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  life,  and  to  eat  of  the 
hidden  manna ;  yea,  he  will  make  them  pillars  in 
the  temple  of  God,  and  they  shall  go  no  more  out ; 
and  he  will  write  upon  them  the  name  of  his  God, 
and  the  name  of  the  city  of  his  God,  which  is  New- 
Jerusalem,  which  Cometh  doAvn  out  of  heaven  from 
his  God,  and  he  will  write  upon  them  his  new  name; 
yea,  more,  if  more  may  be,  he  will  grant  them  to  sit 
v.'ith  him  in  his  throne.  "  These  are  they  who  came 
out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have  washed  their  robes, 
and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb ; 
therefore  are  they  before  the  throne  of  God,  and 
serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple,  and  he  that 
sitteth  on  the  throne  shall  dwell  among  them.  The 
Lamb,  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne,  shall  feed 
them,  and  shall  lead  them  unto  living  fountains  of 
water;  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their 
eyes."  O  blind,  deceived  world !  can  you  show  us 
such  a  glory  ?  This  is  the  city  of  our  God,  where 
the  tabernacle  of  God  is  with  men,  and  he  will  dwell 
v/ith  them,  and  they  shall  be  his  people,  and  God 
himself  shall  be  Avith  them,  and  be  their  God.  The 
s.  R.  3* 


80  NATURE    OF 

glory  of  God  shall  lighten  it,  and  the  Lamb  is  the 
light  thereof.  And  there  shall  be  no  more  curse ; 
but  the  throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb  shall  be  in 
it;  and  his  servants  shall  serve  him,  and  they  shall 
see  his  face,  and  his  name  shall  be  in  their  fore- 
heads. These  sayings  are  faithful  and  true,  and  the 
things  which  must  shortly  be  done.  And  now  we 
say,  as  Mephibosheth,  let  the  world  take  all,  foras- 
much as  our  Lord  will  come  in  peace.  Rejoice, 
therefore,  in  the  Lord,  O  ye  righteous!  and  say, 
with  his  servant  David,  "  The  Lord  is  the  portion 
of  mine  inheritance :  the  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  in 
pleasant  places ;  yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heritage.  I 
have  set  the  Lord  always  before  me :  because  he  is 
at  my  right  hand,  I  shall  not  be  moved.  Therefore 
my  heart  is  glad,  and  my  glory  rejoiceth;  my  flesh 
also  shall  rest  in  hope.  For  thou  wilt  not  leave  my 
soul  in  hell,  neither  wilt  thou  suffer  thine  Holy  One 
to  see  corruption.  Thou  wilt  show  me  the  path  of 
life;  in  thy  presence  is  fullness  of  joy;  at  thy  right 
hand  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore."  What  pre- 
sumption would  it  have  been,  once,  to  have  thought 
or  spoken  of  such  a  thing,  if  God  had  not  spoken  it 
before  us!  I  durst  not  have  thought  of  the  saints' 
preferment  in  this  life,  as  Scripture  sets  it  forth,  had 
it  not  been  the  express  truth  of  God.  How  indecent 
to  talk  of  being  sons  of  God — speaking  to  him  — 
having  fellowship  with  him — dAvelHng  in  him  and 
he  in  us — if  this  had  not  been  God's  own  lansfuao-e! 


THE  saints'   rest.  31 

How  much  less  durst  we  have  once  thought  of 
shining  forth  as  the  sun — of  being  joint  heirs  with 
Christ — of  judging  the  world — of  sitting  on  Christ's 
throne — of  being  one  in  him  and  the  Father — if  we 
had  not  all  this  from  the  mouth,  and  under  the  hand 
of  God  !  But  he  hath  said,  and  shall  he  not  do  it  ? 
Hath  he  spoken,  and  shall  he  not  make  it  good  1 — 
Yes,  as  the  Lord  God  is  true,  thus  shall  it  be  done 
to  the  man  whom  Christ  delighteth  to  honor.  Be  of 
good  cheer.  Christian ;  the  time  is  near  when  God 
and  thou  shalt  be  near,  and  as  near  as  thou  canst 
well  desire.  Thou  shalt  dwell  in  his  family.  Is  that 
enough  1  It  is  better  to  be  a  door-keeper  in  the 
house  of  God,  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wicked- 
ness. Thou  shalt  ever  stand  before  him,  about  his 
throne,  in  the  room  with  him,  in  his  presence-cham- 
ber. Wouldst  thou  yet  be  nearer  ?  Thou  shalt  be 
his  child,  and  he  thy  Father ;  thou  shalt  be  an  heir 
of  his  kingdom ;  yea,  more,  the  spouse  of  his  Son. 
And  what  more  canst  thou  desire  ?  Thou  shalt  be  a 
member  of  the  body  of  his  Son  ;  he  shall  be  thy  head; 
thou  shalt  be  one  with  him,  who  is  one  with  the  Fa- 
ther, as  he  himself  hath  desired  for  thee  of  his  Fa- 
ther ;  "  that  they  all  may  be  one,  as  thou,  Father, 
art  in  me,  and  I  in  ihee,  that  they  also  may  be  one 
in  us ;  and  the  glory  which  thou  gavest  me,  I  have 
given  them,  that  they  may  be  one,  even  as  we  are 
one  ;  I  in  them,  and  thou  in  me,  that  they  may  be 
made  perfect  in  one,  and  that  the  world  may  know 


32  NATURE    OF 

that  thou  hast  sent  me,  and  hast  loved  them  as  thou 
hast  loved  me." 

5.  We  must  add,  that  this  rest  contains  a  sweet 
and  constant  action  of  all  the  powers  of  the  soul  and 
body  in  this  enjoyment  of  God.  It  is  not  the  rest  of 
a  stone,  which  ceaseth  from  all  motion  when  it  at- 
tains the  centre.  This  body  shall  be  so  changed, 
that  it  shall  no  more  be  flesh  and  blood,  which  can- 
not inherit  the  kingdom  of  God;  but  a  spiritual 
body.  We  sow  not  that  body  which  shall  be,  but 
God  giveth  it  a  body  as  it  hath  pleased  him,  and  to 
every  seed  his  own  body.  If  grace  makes  a  Chris- 
tian differ  so  much  from  what  he  was,  as  to  say,  I 
am  not  the  man  I  was ;  how  much  more  will  glory 
make  us  differ !  As  much  as  a  body  spiritual,  above 
the  sun  in  glory,  exceeds  these  frail,  noisome,  dis- 
eased lumps  of  flesh,  so  far  shall  our  senses  exceed 
those  we  now  possess.  Doubtless,  as  God  advanceth 
our  senses,  and  enlargeth  our  capacity,  so  will  he 
advance  the  happiness  of  those  senses,  and  fill  up, 
with  himself,  all  that  capacity.  Certainly  the  body 
should  not  be  raised  up  and  continued,  if  it  should 
not  share  in  the  glory.  As  it  haih  shared  in  the 
obedience  and  sufferings,  so  shall  it  also  in  the  bless- 
edness. As  Christ  bought  the  whole  man,  so  shall 
the  whole  partake  of  the  everlasting  benefits  of  the 
purchase.  O  blessed  employment  of  a  glorified  bo- 
dy !  to  stand  before  the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb, 
and  to  sound  forth  for  ever,  "  Thou  art  worthy,  O 


THE  SAINTS     REST.  33 

Lori  to    receive    glory,    and   honor,    and    power. 
Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain,  to  receive  power, 
and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honor, 
and  glory,  and  blessing :  for  thou  hast  redeemed  ns 
to  God,  by  thy  blood,  out  of  every  kindred,  and 
tongue,  and  people,  and  nation :  and  hast  made  us 
unto  our  God  kings  and  priests.     Alleluia:  f^alva- 
tion,  and  glory,  and  honor,  and   power,  unto  the 
Lord  our  God.     Alleluia,  for  the  Lord  God  omni- 
potent reigneth/'    O,  Christians  !  this  is  the  blessed 
rest :  a  rest  as  it  were,  without  rest :  for  "•  they  rest 
not  day  and  night,  saying,  Holy,  holy,  holy  Lord 
God  Almighty,  who  was,  and  is,  and  is  to  come." 
And  if  the  body  shall  be  thus  employed.  O  how  shall 
the  soul  be  taken  up !    As  its  powers  and  capacities 
re  greates-t,  so  its  actions  are  strongest  and  its  en- 
rments  sweetest.    As  the  bodily  senses  have  their 
roper  actions,  whereby  they  receive  and  enjoy  their 
:^ects,  so  does  the  soul  in  its  own  actions  enjoy  iis 
vn  objects,  by  knowing,  remembering,  loving,  and 
;  rlightful  jo}-ing.  This  is  the  soul's  enjoyment    By 
...ese  eyes  it  sees,  and  by  these  arms  it  embraces. 

Knowledge,  of  itself  is  very  desirable.  As  fer  as 
the  rational  soul  exceeds  the  sensitive,  so  far  the  de- 
lights of  a  philosopher,  in  discovering  the  secrets  of 
nature,  and  knowing  the  mystery  of  sciences,  exceed 
the  delights  of  the  glutton,  the  drunkard,  the  un- 
ean.  and  of  all  voluptuous  sensualists  whatsoever. 
^^  excellent  is  all  truth.    What  then,  is  their  de- 


34 


NATURE    OF 


light  who  know  the  God  of  truth !  How  noble  a  fa- 
culty of  the  soul  is  the  understanding !  It  can  com- 
pass the  earth  ;  it  can  measure  the  sun,  moon,  stars, 
and  heaven ;  it  can  foreknow  each  eclipse  to  a  mi- 
nute, many  years  before.  But  this  is  the  top  of  all 
its  excellency,  that  it  can  know  God,  who  is  infinite, 
who  made  all  these — a  little  here,  and  more,  much 
more,  hereafter.  Othe  wisdom  and  goodness  of  our 
blessed  Lord  !  He  hath  created  the  understanding 
with  a  natural  bias  and  inclination  to  truth,  as  its 
object;  and  to  the  prime  truth,  as  its  prime  object. 
Christian,  when,  after  long  gazing  heaven-ward, 
thou  hast  got  a  glimpse  of  Christ,  dost  thou  not 
sometimes  seem  to  have  been  with  Paul  in  the  third 
heaven,  whether  in  the  body  or  out,  and  to  have  seen 
what  is  unutterable  ?  Art  thou  not,  with  Peter,  ready 
to  say,  "  Master,  it  is  good  to  be  here  ?"  "  O  that  I 
might  dwell  in  this  mount !  O  that  I  might  ever  see 
what  I  now  see !"  Didst  thou  never  look  so  long 
upon  the  Sun  of  Righteousness,  till  thine  eyes  were 
dazzled  with  his  astonishing  glory  ?  And  did  not 
the  splendor  of  it  make  all  things  below  seem  black 
and  dark  to  thee  1  Especially  in  the  day  of  suffer- 
ing for  Christ,  when  he  usually  appears  most  mani- 
festly to  his  people,  didst  thou  never  see  one  walk- 
ing in  the  midst  of  the  fiery  furnace  with  thee,  like 
the  Son  of  God  7  Believe  me.  Christians,  yea,  be- 
lieve God ;  you  that  have  known  most  of  God  in 
Christ  here,  it  is  as  nolhmg  to  what  you  shall  know. 


THE  SAINTS    REST.  OJ 

it  scarce,  in  comparison  of  that,  deserves  to  be  called 
knowledge.  For  as  these  bodies,  so  that  knowledge, 
must  cease,  that  a  more  perfect  may  succeed.  Know- 
ledge shall  vanish  away.  For  we  know  in  part. 
But  when  that  which  is  perfect  is  come,  then  that 
which  is  in  part  shall  be  done  away.  When  I  was 
a  child,  I  spake  as  a  child,  I  understood  as  a  child, 
I  thought  as  a  child ;  but,  when  1  became  a  man,  1 
put  away  childish  things.  For  now  we  see  through 
a  glass  darkly,  but  then  face  to  face;  now  1  know 
in  part,  but  then  shall  I  know,  even  as  also  I  am 
knoAvn.  Marvel  not,  therefore,  Christian,  how  it  can 
be  life  eternal  to  know  God  and  Jesus  Christ.  To 
enjoy  God  and  Christ  is  eternal  life ;  and  the  soul's 
enjoying  is  in  knowing.  They  that  savor  only  of 
earth,  and  consult  with  flesh,  think  it  a  poor  happi- 
ness to  know  God.  But  we  know  that  we  are  of 
God,  and  the  whole  world  lieth  in  wickedness :  and 
we  know  that  the  Son  of  God  is  come,  and  hath 
given  us  an  understanding,  that  we  may  know  him 
that  is  true ;  and  we  are  in  him  that  is  true,  even  in 
his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  This  is  the  true  God,  and 
eternal  life. 

The  memory  will  not  be  idle,  or  useless,  in  this 
blessed  work.  From  that  height  the  saint  can  look 
behind  him  and  before  him.  And  to  compare  past 
with  present  things  must  needs  raise  in  the  blessed 
soul  an  inconceivable  esteem  and  sense  of  its  condi- 
tion.   To  stand  on  that  mount,  whence  we  can  see 


ob  NATURE    OF 

the  Wilderness  and  Canaan  both  at  once;  to  stand 
in  Heaven  and  look  back  on  earth,  and  weigh  them 
together  in  the  balance  of  a  comparing  sense  and 
judgment,  how  must  it  needs  transport  the  soul,  and 
make  it  cry  out,  "  Is  this  the  purchase  that  cost  so 
dear  as  the  blood  of  Christ?  No  wonder.  O  blessed 
price!  and  thrice  blessed  love,  that  invented  and 
condescended!  Is  this  the  end  of  believing?  Is  this 
the  end  of  the  Spirit's  workings  ?  Have  the  gales 
of  grace  blown  me  into  such  a  harbor  ?  Is  it  hither 
that  Christ  hath  allured  my  soul  ?  O  blessed  way^ 
and  thrice  blessed  end !  Is  this  the  glory  which  the 
Scriptures  spoke  of,  and  ministers  preached  of  so 
much?  I  see  the  Gospel  is  indeed  good  tidings, 
even  tidings  of  peace  and  good  things,  tidings  of 
great  joy  to  all  nations  !  Is  my  mourning,  my  fast- 
ing, my  sad  humblings,  my  heavy  walking,  come  to 
this  ?  Is  my  praying,  watching,  fearing  to  offend, 
come  to  this?  Are  all  my  afflictions,  Satan's  temp- 
tations, the  world's  scorns  and  jeers,  come  to  this  ? 
O  vile  nature,  that  resisted  so  much,  and  so  long, 
such  a  blessing !  Unworthy  soul !  is  this  the  place 
thou  camest  so  unwillingly  to  ?  Was  duty  weari- 
some ?  Was  the  world  too  good  to  lose  ?  Didst  thou 
stick  at  leaving  all,  denying  all,  and  suffering  any 
thing  for  this  ?  Wast  thou  loth  to  die,  to  come  to 
this?  O  false  heart,  thou  hadst  almost  betrayed  me 
to  eternal  flames,  and  lost  me  this  glory !  Art  thou 
not   now  ashamed,   my  soul,  that  ever  thou  dids^ 


THE  saints'  rest.  37 

question  that  love  which  brought  thee  hither  1  that 
thou  wast  jealous  of  the  faithfulness  of  thy  Lord? 
that  thou  suspectedst  his  love,  when  thou  shouldst 
only  have  suspected  thyself?  that  ever  thou  didst 
quench  a  motion  of  his  Spirit?  and  that  thou  shouldst 
misinterpret  those  providences,  and  repine  at  those 
ways,  which  have  such  an  end  ?  Now  thou  art  suf- 
ficiently convinced  that  thy  blessed  Redeemer  was 
saving-  thee,  as  well  when  he  crossed  thy  desires  as 
when  he  granted  them ;  when  he  broke  thy  heart, 
as  when  he  bound  it  up.  No  thanks  to  thee,  un- 
worthy self,  for  this  received  crown ;  but  to  Jehovah 
and  the  Lamb  be  glory  for  ever." 

But,  01  the  full,  the  near,  the  sweet  enjoyment, 
is  that  of  love.  God  is  love,  and  he  that  dwelleth  in 
love  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him.  Now  the 
poor  soul  complains,  "  O  that  I  could  love  Christ 
more!"  then  thou  canst  not  choose  but  love  him. 
Now,  thou  knowest  little  of  his  amiableness,  and 
therefore  lovest  little:  then,  thine  eyes  will  affect 
thy  heart,  and  the  continual  viewing  of  that  perfect 
beauty  will  keep  thee  in  continual  transports  of  love. 
Christians,  doth  it  not  now  stir  up  your  love,  to  remem- 
ber all  the  experiences  of  his  love  ?  Doth  not  kind- 
ness melt  you,  and  the  sunshine  of  divine  goodness 
warm  your  frozen  hearts  ?  What  will  it  do  then, 
when  you  shall  live  in  love,  and  have  all  in  him, 
who  is  all  ?  Surely  love  is  both  work  and  wages> 
What  a  high  favor,  that  God  will  give  us  leave  to 


38  NATURE    OF 

love  him !  that  he  will  be  embraced  by  those  who 
have  embraced  lust  and  sin  before  him !  But,  more 
than  this,  he  returneth  love  for  love ;  nay,  a  tho'j- 
sand  times  more.  Christian,  thou  wilt  be  then  brim- 
full  of  love ;  yet,  love  as  much  as  thou  canst,  thou 
shalt  be  ten  thousand  times  more  beloved.  Were  the 
arms  of  the  Son  of  God  open  upon  the  cross,  and  an 
open  passage  made  to  his  heart  by  the  spear ;  and 
will  not  his  arms  and  heart  be  open  to  thee  in  glory? 
Did  not  he  begin  to  love  before  thou  lovedst,  and 
will  not  he  continue  now  ?  Did  he  love  thee,  an  en- 
emy? thee,  a  sinner?  thee,  who  even  loathedst  thy- 
self? and  own  thee,  when  thou  didst  disclaim  thy- 
self? And  will  he  not  now  immeasurably  love  thee, 
a  son?  thee,  a  perfect  saint?  thee,  who  retumedst 
some  love  for  love  ?  He  that  in  love  wept  over  the 
old  Jerusalem  when  near  its  ruin,  with  what  love 
will  he  rejoice  over  the  new  Jerusalem  in  her  glory ! 
Christian,  believe  this,  and  think  on  it:  'thou  shalt 
be  eternally  embraced  in  the  arms  of  that  love  which 
was  from  everlasting,  and  will  extend  to  everlasting; 
of  that  love  which  brought  the  Son  of  God's  love 
from  heaven  to  earth,  from  earth  to  the  cross,  from 
the  cross  to  the  grave,  from  the  grave  to  glory;  that 
love  which  was  weary,  hungry,  tempted,  scorned, 
scourged,  buffeted,  spit  upon,  crucified,  pierced  ; 
which  did  fast,  pray,  teach,  heal,  weep,  sweat,  bleed, 
die ;  that  love  will  eternally  embrace  thee.  When 
perfect  created  love  and  most  perfect  uncreated  love 


THE  SAINTS    REST.  69 

meet  together,  it  will  not  be  like  Joseph  and  his 
brethren,  who  lay  upon  one  another's  necks  weep- 
ing- ;  it  will  be  loving  and  rejoicing,  not  loving  and 
sorrowing.  Yet  it  will  make  Satan's  court  ring  with 
the  news  that  Joseph's  brethren  are  come,  that  the 
saints  are  arrived  safe  at  the  bosom  of  Christ,  out  of 
the  reach  of  hell  for  ever.  Nor  is  there  any  such 
love  as  David's  and  Jonathan's,  breathing  out  its 
last  into  sad  lamentations  for  a  forced  separation. 
Know  this,  believer,  to  thy  everlasting  comfort,  if 
those  arms  have  once  embraced  thee,  neither  sin  nor 
hell  can  get  thee  thence  for  ever.  Thou  hast  not  to 
deal  with  an  inconstant  creature,  but  with  him  with 
whom  is  no  variableness  nor  shadow  of  turning. 
His  love  to  thee  will  not  be  as  thine  was  on  earth 
to  him,  seldom,  and  cold,  up  and  down.  He  that 
Vv^ould  not  cease  nor  abate  his  love,  for  all  thine  en- 
mity, unkind  neglects,  and  churlish  resistances,  can 
he  cease  to  love  thee,  when  he  hath  made  thee  truly 
lovely?  He  that  keepeth  thee  so  constant  in  thy 
love  to  him,  that  thou  canst  challenge  tribulation, 
distress,  persecution,  famine,  nakedness,  peril,  or 
sword,  to  separate  thy  love  from  Christ,  how  much 
more  will  himself  be  constant !  Indeed  thou  mayest 
be  persuaded  that  neither  death  nor  life,  nor  angels, 
nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  present, 
nor  things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any 
other  creature,  shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from  the 
lave  of  God  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 


40  THE    NATURE    OF 

And  now,  are  we  not  left  in  the  apostle's  admiration? 
What  shall  we  say  to  these  thing's  ?  Infinite  love 
must  needs  be  a  mystery  to  a  finite  capacity.  No 
wonder  angels  desire  to  look  into  this  mystery.  And 
if  it  be  the  study  of  saints  here  to  know  the  breadth, 
and  length,  and  depth,  and  height  of  the  love  of 
Christ,  which  passeth  knowledge ;  the  saints'  ever- 
lasting rest  must  consist  in  the  enjoyment  of  God 
by  love. 

Nor  hath  joy  the  least  share  in  this  fruition.  It 
is  that  which  all  the  former  lead  to,  and  conclude 
in ;  even  the  inconceivable  complacency  which  the 
blessed  feel  in  their  seeing,  knowing,  loving,  and 
being  beloved  of  God.  This  is  the  white  stone 
which  no  man  knoweth,  saving  he  that  receiveth  it. 
Surely  this  is  the  joy  which  a  stranger  doth  not  in- 
termeddle with.  All  Christ's  ways  of  mercy  tend 
to  an  end  in  the  saints'  joys.  He  wept,  sorrowed, 
suffered,  that  they  might  rejoice;  he  sendeth  the 
Spirit  to  be  their  comforter ;  he  multiplies  promises  • 
he  discovers  their  future  happiness,  that  their  joy 
may  be  full.  He  opens  to  them  the  fountain  of  liv- 
ing waters,  that  they  may  thirst  no  more,  and  that 
it  may  spring  up  in  them  to  everlasting  life.  He 
chastens  them  that  he  may  give  them  rest.  He 
makes  it  their  duty  to  rejoice  in  him  always,  and 
again  commands  them  to  rejoice.  He  never  brings 
them  into  so  low  a  condition,  wherein  he  does  not 
leave  them  more  cause  of  joy  than  sorrow.    And 


41 

hath  the  Lord  such  a  care  of  our  comfort  here  ?  O 
what  will  that  joy  be,  where  the  soul,  being  perfectly- 
prepared  for  joy,  and  joy  prepared  by  Christ  for  the 
soul,  it  shall  be  our  work,  our  business,  eternally  to 
rejoice !  It  seems  the  saints'  joy  shall  be  greater 
than  the  damned's  torment ;  for  their  torment  is  the 
torment  of  creatures,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his 
angels;  but  our  joy  is  the  joy  of  our  Lord.  The 
same  glory  which  the  Father  gave  the  Son,  the  Son 
hath  given  them,  to  sit  with  him  in  his  throne,  even 
as  he  is  set  down  with  his  Father  in  his  throne. 
Thou,  poor  soul,  who  prayest  for  joy,  waitest  for  joy, 
complainest  for  want  of  joy,  longest  for  joy ;  thou 
then  shalt  have  full  joy,  as  much  as  thou  canst  hold, 
and  more  than  ever  thou  thoughtest  on,  or  thy  heart 
desired.  In  the  meantime,  walk  carefully;  watch 
constantly,  and  then  let  God  measure  out  to  thee 
thy  times  and  degrees  of  joy.  It  may  be  he  keeps 
them  until  thou  hast  more  need.  Thou  hadst  better 
lose  thy  comfort  than  thy  safety.  If  thou  shouldst 
die  full  of  fears  and  sorrows,  it  will  be  but  a  moment, 
and  they  are  all  gone,  and  concluded  in  joy  incon- 
ceivable. As  the  joy  of  the  hypocrite,  so  the  fears 
of  the  upright  are  but  for  a  moment.  "God's  anger 
endureth  but  a  moment ;  in  his  favor  is  life ;  weep- 
ing may  endure  for  a  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the 
morning."  O  blessed  morning!  Poor,  humble,  droop- 
ing soul,  how  would  it  fill  thee  with  joy  now,  if  a 
voice  from  heaven  should  tell  thee  of  the  love  of  God, 
s.  R.  4* 


42  The  nature  of 

the  pardon  of  thy  sins,  and  assure  thee  of  ihy  part 
in  these  joys !  What  then  will  thy  joy  be,  when  thy 
actual  possession  shall  convince  thee  of  thy  title,  and 
thou  shalt  be  in  heaven  before  thou  art  well  aware ! 
And  it  is  not  thy  joy  only ;  it  is  a  mutual  joy,  as 
well  as  a  mutual  love.     Is  there  joy  in  heaven  at 
thy  conversion,  and  will  there  be  none  at  thy  glori- 
fication ?  Will  not  the  angels  welcome  thee  thither, 
and  congratulate  thy  safe  arrival? — Yes,  it  is  the 
joy  of  Jesus  Christ;  for  now  he  hath  the  end  of  his 
undertaking,  labor,  suffering,  dying,  when  we  have 
our  joys;  when  he  is  glorified  in  his   saints,  and 
admired  in  all  them  that  believe ;  when  he  sees  of  the 
travail  of  his  soul,  and  is  satisfied.    This  is  Christ's 
harvest,  when  he  shall  reap  the  fruit  of  his  labors ; 
and  it  will  not  repent  him  concerning  his  sufferings, 
but  he  will  rejoice  over  his  purchased  inheritance, 
and  his  people  will  rejoice  in  him. — Yea,  the  Father 
himself  puts  on  joy,  too,  in  our  joy.     As  we  grieve 
his  Spirit,  and  weary  him  with  our  iniquities,  so  he 
is  rejoiced  in  our  good.     O  how  quickly  does  he 
now  spy  a  returning  prodigal,  even  afar  off !    How 
does  he  run  and  meet  him !    And  with  what  com- 
passion does  he  fall  on  his  neck,  and  kiss  him,  and 
put  on  him  the  best  robe,  and  a  ring  on  his  hand, 
and  shoes  on  his  feet,  and  kills  the  fatted  calf,  to  eat 
and  be  merry!     This  is  indeed  a  happy  meeting; 
but  nothing  to  the  embracing  and  joy  of  that  last 
and  great  meeting.     Yea,  more;  as  God  doth  mu- 


THE    SAINTS'    REST.  43 

tually  love  and  joy,  so  he  makes  this  his  rest,  as  it 
is  our  rest.  What  an  eternal  Sabbatism,  when  the 
work  of  redemption,  sanctification,  preservation,  glo- 
rification, is  ail  finished,  and  perfected  for  ever! 
"The  Lord  thy  God  in  the  midst  of  thee  is  mighty; 
he  will  save,  he  will  rejoice  over  thee  with  joy,  he 
will  rest  in  his  love,  he  will  joy  over  thee  with  sing* 
ing."  Well  may  we  then  rejoice  in  our  God  with 
joy,  and  rest  in  our  love,  and  joy  in  him  with 
singing. 

Alas !  my  fearful  heart  scarce  dares  proceed.  Me- 
thinks  I  hear  the  Almighty's  voice  saying  to  me, 
"Who  is  this  that  darkeneth  counsel  bywords  with- 
out knowledge?"  But  pardon  thy  servant,  O  Lord, 
I  have  not  pried  into  unrevealed  things.  I  bev/ail 
that  my  apprehensions  are  so  dull,  my  thoughts  so 
mean,  my  affections  so  stupid,  and  my  expressions 
so  low,  and  unbecoming  such  a  glory.  I  have  only 
heard  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear :  O  let  thy  servant 
see  thee,  and  possess  these  joys;  and  then  shall  I 
have  more  suitable  conceptions,  and  shall  give  thee 
fuller  glory;  I  shall  abhor  my  present  self,  and  dis- 
claim and  renounce  all  these  imperfections.  "  I  have 
uttered  that  I  understood  not,  things  too  wonderful 
for  me,  which  I  knew  not."  Yet  "  I  believed,  and 
therefore  have  I  spoken."  What,  Lord,  canst  thou 
expect  from  dust, but  levity?  or  from  corruption,  but 
defilement?  Though  the  weakness  and  irreverence 
be  the  fruit  of  my  own  corruption,  yet  the  fire  is 


44  THE    PREPARATIVES 

from  thine  altar,  and  the  work  of  thy  commanding". 
I  looked  not  into  thy  ark,  nor  put  forth  my  hand 
unto  it  without  thee.  Wash  away  these  stains  also 
in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  Imperfect,  or  none  must 
be  thy  service  here.  O  take  thy  Son's  excuse,  "the 
spirit  is  willing:,  but  the  flesh  is  weak." 


CHAPTER    II 

THE    GREAT    PREPARATIVES   FOR   THE   SAINTs'    REST. 

There  are  four  things  which  principaUy  prepare  the  way  to 
enter  into  it;  particularly^  1.  The  glorious  appearing  of 
Christ;  2.  The  general  resurrection ;  3.  The  last  judg- 
ment ;  a?id,  4.  The  saints'  coronation 

The  passage  of  paradise  is  not  now  so  blockeo 
up  as  when  the  law  and  curse  reigned.  Wherefore 
finding,  beloved  Christians,  a  new  and  living  way 
consecrated  for  us,  through  the  vail,  that  is  to  say, 
the  flesh  of  Christ,  by  which  we  may  with  boldness 
enter  into  the  holiest,  I  shall  draw  near  with  fuller 
assurance ;  and,  finding  the  flaming  sword  remov- 
ed, shall  look  again  into  the  paradise  of  our  God. 
And  because  I  know  that  this  is  no  forbidden  fruit, 
and  withal  that  it  is  good  for  food,  and  pleasant  to 
the  spiritual  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired  to  make 
one  truly  wise  and  happy;  I  shall,  through  the  as- 
sistance of  the  Spirit,  take  and  eat  thereof  myself) 


;t.  45 

and  give  to  you,  according  to  my  power,  that  you 
may  eat.  The  porch  of  this  temple  is  exceeding 
glorious,  and  the  gate  of  it  is  called  Beautiful,  Here 
are  four  things  as  the  four  corners  of  this  porch.  Here 
is  the  most  glorious  coming  and  appearance  of  the 
Son  of  God;  that  great  work  of  Jesus  Christ  in  rais- 
ing our  bodies  from  the  dust,  and  unitmg  them  again 
to  the  soul; — the  public  and  solemn  process  at  their 
judgment,  where  they  shall  first  themselves  be  ac- 
quitted and  justified,  and  then  with  Christ  judge  the 
world ;  together  with  their  solemn  coronation,  and 
receiving  the  kingdom. 

1.  The  most  glorious  coming  and  appearance  of 
the  Son  of  God  may  w^ell  be  reckoned  in  his  peo- 
ple's glory.  For  their  sake  he  came  into  the  world, 
suffered,  died,  rose,  ascended ;  and  for  their  sake  it 
is  that  he  will  return.  To  this  end  will  Christ 
come  again  to  receive  his  people  unto  himself,  that 
where  he  is,  there  they  may  be  also.  The  bride- 
groom's departure  was  not  upon  divorce.  He  did 
not  leave  us  with  a  purpose  to  return  no  more.  He 
hath  left  pledges  enough  to  assure  us  to  the  contrary. 
We  have  his  v»'ord,  his  many  promises,  his  ordinan- 
ces, which  show  forth  his  death  till  he  come ;  and 
his  Spirit,  to  direct,  sanctify,  and  comfort,  till  he  re- 
turn. We  have  frequent  tokens  of  love  from  him., 
to  show  us  he  forgets  not  his  promise,  nor  us.  We 
daily  behold  the  forerunners  of  his  coming,  foretold 
by  himself   We  see  the  fig-tree  putteth  forth  leaves, 


46  THE    PREPARATIVES 

and  therefore  know  that  summer  is  nigh.  Though 
the  riotous  would  say,  My  Lord  delayeth  his  com- 
ing; yet  let  the  saints  lift  up  their  heads,  for  their 
redemption  draweth  nigh.  Alas!  fellow-Christians, 
what  should  we  do  if  our  Lord  should  not  return  ? 
What  a  case  are  we  here  left  in !  What !  leave  us  in 
the  midst  of  wolves,  and  among  lions,  a  generation 
of  vipers,  and  here  forget  us  I  Did  he  buy  us  so 
dear,  and  then  leave  us  sinning,  suffering,  groaning, 
dying  daily;  and  will  he  come  no  more  to  us?  It 
cannot  be.  This  is  like  our  unkind  dealing  with 
Christ,  who,  when  we  feel  ourselves  warm  in  the 
world,  care  not  for  coming  to  him ;  but  this  is  not 
like  Christ's  dealing  with  us.  He  that  would  come  to 
suffer,  will  surely  come  to  triumph.  He  that  would 
come  to  purchase,  will  surely  come  to  possess.  Where 
else  were  all  our  hopes  ?  What  were  become  of  our 
faith,  our  prayers,  our  tears  and  our  waiting  ?  What 
were  all  the  patience  of  the  saints  worth  to  them  7 
Were  we  not  left  of  all  men  the  most  miserable  ? 
Christians,  hath  Christ  made  us  forsake  all  the 
world,  and  be  forsaken  of  all  the  world?  to  hate  all, 
and  be  hated  of  all  ?  and  all  this  for  him,  that  we 
might  have  him  instead  of  all  ?  And  will  he,  think 
you,  after  all  this,  forget  us,  and  forsake  us  himself? 
Far  be  such  a  thought  from  our  hearts !  But  why 
staid  he  not  with  his  people  while  he  was  here? 
Why  ?  Was  not  the  work  on  earth  done  ?  Must  he 
not  take  possession  of  glory  in  our  behalf?  Must  ho 


FOR    THE    saints'    REST.  47 

not  intercede  with  the  Father,  plead  his  sufferings, 
be  filled  with  the  Spirit  to  send  forth,  receive  autho- 
rity, and  subdue  his  enemies  7  Our  abode  here  is 
short.  If  he  had  staid  on  earth,  what  would  it  have 
been  to  enjoy  him  for  a  few  days  and  then  die  ?  He 
hath  more  in  heaven  to  dwell  among;  even  the 
spirits  of  many  generations.  He  will  have  us  live 
by  faith,  and  not  by  sight. 

O,  fellow-Christians,  what  a  day  will  that  be, 
when  we,  who  have  been  kept  prisoners  by  sin,  by 
sinners,  by  the  grave,  shall  be  brought  out  by  the 
Lord  himself!  It  will  not  be  such  a  coming  as  his 
first  was,  in  poverty  and  contempt,  to  be  spit  upon, 
and  buffeted,  and  crucified  again.  He  will  not  come, 
O  careless  world !  to  be  slighted  and  neglected  by 
you  any  more.  Yet  that  coming  wanted  not  its 
glory.  If  the  heavenly  host,  for  the  celebration  of 
his  nativity,  must  praise  God ;  with  what  shoutings 
will  angels  and  saints  at  that  day  proclaim  glory  to 
God,  peace  and  good-will  toward  men  !  If  a  star 
must  lead  men  from  remote  parts  of  the  world,  to 
come  to  worship  a  child  in  a  manger ;  how  will  the 
glory  of  his  next  appearing  constrain  all  the  world 
to  acknowledge  his  sovereignty!  If,  riding  on  an 
ass,  he  enter  Jerusalem  with  hosannas ;  with  what 
peace  and  glory  will  he  come  toward  the  New- 
Jerusalem  !  If,  when  he  w^as  in  the  form  of  a  ser- 
vant, they  cry  out,  "  What  manner  of  man  is  this, 
that  even  the  winds  and  sea  obey  him  ?"  what  will 


48  THE    I'REPARATIVES 

they  say,  when  ihey  shall  see  him  coming  in  hia 
glory,  and  the  heavens  and  the  earth  obey  him  ? 
''  Then  shall  all  the  tribes  of  the  earth  mourn."  To 
think  and  speak  of  that  day  with  horror,  doth  well 
beseem  the  impenitent  sinner,  but  ill  the  believing 
saint.  Shall  the  wicked  behold  him,  and  cry,  "  Yon^ 
der  is  he  whose  blood  we  neglected,  whose  grace 
we  resisted,  whose  counsel  we  refused,  whose  go- 
vernment we  cast  off!"  and  shall  not  the  saints, 
with  inconceivable  gladness,  cry,  "  Yonder  is  he 
whose  blood  redeemed  us,  whose  Spirit  cleansed  us, 
whose  law  did  govern  us ;  in  whom  we  trusted,  and 
he  hath  not  deceived  our  trust ;  for  whom  w^e  long 
waited,  and  now  Ave  see  Ave  have  not  waited  in  vain  ! 
O  cursed  corruption  !  that  would  have  had  us  turn 
to  the  world  and  present  things,  and  say,  Why  should 
we  wait  for  the  Lord  any  longer?  Now  we  see, 
Blessed  are  all  they  that  wait  for  him."  And  now, 
Christians,  should  we  not  put  up  that  petition  hear- 
tily, "  Thy  kingdom  come  ?  The  Spirit  and  the 
bride  say,  Come:  and  let  him  that  heareth,"  and 
readeth,  "say,  Come."  Our  Lord  himself  says, 
"  Surely  I  come  quickly.  Amen :  even  so,  come ! 
Lord  Jesus." 

2.  Another  thing  that  leads  to  paradise  is,  that 
great  work  of  Jesus  Christ,  in  raising  our  bodies 
from  the  dust,  and  uniting  them  again  unto  the  souL 
A  wonderful  effect  of  infinite  power  and  love !  Yea, 
wonderful  indeed,  says  Unbelief,  if  it  be  true.   What, 


FOR    THE    SAINTS'    REST.  49 

shall  all  these  scattered  bones  and  dust  become  a 
man  ?  Let  me  with  reverence  plead  for  God,  for 
that  power  whereby  I  hope  to  arise.  What  beareth 
the  massy  body  of  the  earth  ?  What  limits  the  vast 
ocean  of  the  waters  ?  Whence  is  that  constant  ebbing" 
and  flowing  of  the  tides  ?  How  many  times  bigger 
than  all  the  earth  is  the  sun,  that  glorious  body  of 
light  1  Is  it  not  as  easy  to  raise  the  dead  as  to  make 
heaven  and  earth,  and  all  of  nothing  ?  Look  not  on 
the  dead  bones,  and  dust,  and  difficulty,  but  at  the 
promise.  Contentedly  commit  these  carcasses  to  a 
prison  that  shall  not  long  contain  them.  Let  us 
lie  down  in  peace  and  take  our  rest ;  it  will  not  be 
an  everlasting  night,  nor  endless  sleep.  If  unclothing 
be  the  thing  thou  fearest,  it  is  that  thou  mayest  have 
better  clothing.  If  to  be  turned  out  of  doors  be  the 
thing  thou  fearest,  remember  that,  when  the  earthly 
house  of  this  tabernacle  is  dissolved,  thou  hast  a 
building  of  God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eter- 
nal in  the  heavens.  Lay  down  cheerfully  this  lump 
of  corruption ;  thou  shalt  undoubtedly  receive  it 
again  in  incorruption.  Lay  down  freely  this  terres- 
trial, this  natural  body ;  thou  shalt  receive  it  again 
a  celestial,  a  spiritual  body.  Though  thou  lay  it 
down  with  great  dishonor,  thou  shalt  receive  it  in 
glory.  Though  thou  art  separated  from  it  through 
weakness,  it  shall  be  raised  again  in  mighty  power ; 
in  a  moment,  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  at  the  last 
irump ;  for  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  dead 


50  THE    PREPARATIVES 

shall  be  raised  incorruptible,  and  we  shall  be  chang- 
ed. "  The  dead  in  Christ  shall  rise  first.  Then 
they  who  are  alive  and  remain,  shall  be  caught  up 
tog-ether  with  them  in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord 
in  the  air."  Triumph  now,  O  Christian,  in  these 
promises  ;  thou  shalt  shortly  triumph  in  their  per- 
formance. This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  will 
make ;  Ave  shall  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it.  The 
grave  that,  could  not  keep  our  Lord,  cannot  keep  us. 
He  arose  for  us,  and  by  the  same  power  will  cause 
us  to  arise.  For  if  v\'e  believe  that  Jesus  died  and 
rose  again,  even  so,  them  also  who  sleep  in  Jesus, 
Avill  God  bring  with  him.  Let  us  never  look  at  the 
grave,  but  let  us  see  the  resurrection  beyond  it.  Yea, 
let  us  be  steadfast,  immovable,  always  abounding  in 
the  Avork  of  the  Lord,  forasmuch  as  Ave  knoAv  our 
labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

3.  Part  of  this  prologue  to  the  saints'  rest  is  the 
public  and  solemn  jprocess  at  their  judgment,  where 
they  shall  first  themseh^es  be  acquitted  and  justified, 
and  then  Avilh  Christ  judge  the  Avorld.  Young  and 
old,  of  all  estates  and  nations,  that  ever  Avere  from 
the  creation  to  that  day,  must  here  come,  and  receive 
their  doom.  O  terrible !  O  joyful  day!  Terrible 
to  those  that  have  forgotten  the  coming  of  their  Lord  ! 
joyful  to  the  saints,  Avhose  Avaiting  and  hope  Avas  to 
see  this  day  !  Then  shall  the  Avorld  behold  the  good- 
ness and  severity  of  God ;  on  them  Avho  perish,  seve- 
rity ;  but  to  his  chosen,  goodness.     Every  one  must 


FOR    THE    saints'    REST.  51 

give  an  account  of  his  stewardship.  Every  talent 
of  time,  health,  wit,  mercies,  afflictions,  means,  warn- 
ings, must  be  reckoned  for.  The  sins  of  youth, 
those  which  they  had  forgotten,  and  their  secret  sins, 
shall  all  be  laid  open  before  angels  and  men.  They 
shall  see  the  Lord  Jesus,  whom  they  neglected, 
■whose  word  they  disobeyed,  whose  ministers  they 
abused,  whose  servants  they  hated,  now  sitting  to 
judge  them.  Their  own  consciences  shall  cry  out 
against  them,  and  call  to  their  remembrance  all  their 
misdoings.  Which  way  will  the  wretched  sinner 
look  ?  Who  can  conceive  the  terrible  thoughts  of 
his  heart  ?  Now  the  world  cannot  help  him  ;  his 
old  companions  cannot ;  the  saints  neither  can  nor 
will.  Only  the  Lord  Jesus  can ;  but  there  is  the 
misery,  he  will  not.  Time  was,  sinner,  when 
Christ  would,  and  you  would  not ;  now,  fain  would 
you,  and  he  will  not.  All  in  vain,  to  cry  to  the 
mountains  and  rocks,  fall  on  us,  and  hide  us  from 
the  face  of  him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne ;  for  thou 
hast  the  Lord  of  mountains  and  rocks  for  thine 
enemy,  whose  voice  they  will  obey,  and  not  thine. 
I  charge  thee,  therefore,  before  God,  and  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  who  shall  judge  the  quick  and  the 
dead  at  his  appearing,  and  his  kingdom,  that  thou 
set  thyself  seriously  to  ponder  on  these  things. 

But  why  tremblest  thou,  O  humble,  gracious  soul  ? 
lie  that  would  not  lose  one  Noah  in  a  common  de- 
luge, nor  overlook  one    Lot  in   Sodom;  nay,  tha* 


52  THE    PREPARATIVES 

couIq  do  nothing  till  he  went  forth ;  will  he  forget 
thee  at  that  day  ?  The  Lord  knoweth  how  to  deli- 
ver the  godly  out  of  temptations,  and  to  reserve  the 
unjust  unto  the  day  of  judgment,  to  be  punished. 
He  knoweth  how  to  make  the  same  day  the  great- 
est terror  to  his  foes,  and  yet  the  greatest  joy  to  his 
people.  There  is  no  condemnation  to  them  that  are 
in  Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but 
after  the  Spirit.  Who  shall  lay  any  thing  to  the 
charge  of  God's  elect?  Shall  the  law?  The  law  of 
the  spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  hath  made  them  free 
from  the  law  of  sin  and  death.  Or  shall  conscience? 
The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  their  spirit,  that 
they  are  the  children  of  God.  It  is  God  that  justifi- 
eth,  who  is  he  that  condemneth  ?"  If  our  Judge  con- 
demn us  not,  who  shall  ?  He  that  said  to  the  adul- 
terous woman,  Hath  no  man  condemned  thee  ?  Nei- 
ther do  I ;  will  say  to  us,  more  faithfully  than  Peter 
to  him,  Though  all  men  deny  thee,  or  condemn  thee,  I 
will  not.  Having  confessed  me  before  men,  thee  "  will 
I  also  confess  before  my  Father  who  is  in  heaven." 
What  inexpressible  joy,  that  our  dear  Lord,  who 
loveth  our  souls,  and  whom  our  souls  love,  shall  be 
our  Judge !  Will  a  man  fear  to  be  judged  by  his 
dearest  friend?  or  a  wife  by  her  own  husband? 
Christian,  did  Christ  come  down  and  suffer,  and 
weep,  and  bleed,  and  die  for  thee,  and  will  he  now 
condemn  thee?  Was  he  judged,  condemned,  and 
executed  in  thy  stead,  and  now  will  he  condemn  thee 


53 

himself?  Hath  he  done  most  of  the  work  already, 
in  redeeming,  regenerating,  sanctifj-ing  and  preserv 
ing  thee,  and  will  he  now  undo  all  again  ?  Well 
then,  let  the  terror  of  that  day  be  never  so  great, 
surely  our  Lord  can  mean  no  ill  to  us  in  ail.  Let  it 
make  the  devils  tremble,  and  the  wicked  tremble, 
but  it  shall  make  us  leap  for  joy.  It  must  needs  af- 
fect us  deeply  with  the  sense  of  our  mercy  and  hap- 
piness, to  see  the  most  of  the  world  tremble  with 
terror,  while  we  triumph  with  joy ;  to  hear  them 
doomed  to  everlasting  flames,  when  we  are  pro- 
claimed heirs  of  the  kingdom ;  to  see  our  neigh- 
bors, that  lived  in  the  same  towns,  came  to  the  same 
congregation,  dwelt  in  the  same  houses,  and  were 
esteemed  more  honorable  in  the  world  than  our- 
selves, now,  by  the  Searcher  of  hearts,  eternally  se- 
parated. This,  with  the  great  magnificence  and 
dreadfulness  of  the  day,  the  apostle  pathetically  ex- 
presses :  "  It  is  a  righteous  thing  with  God  to  re- 
compense tribulation  to  them  that  trouble  you  ;  and 
to  you  who  are  troubled,  rest  with  us,  when  the 
Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed  from  heaven,  with  his 
mighty  angels,  in  flaming  fire,  taking  vengeance  on 
them  that  know  not  God,  and  that  obey  not  the  Gos- 
pel of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  who  shall  be  pun- 
ished with  everlasting  destruction  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his  power ;  when 
he  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his  saints,  and  to  be 
admired  in  all  them  that  believe,  in  that  day." 
s.   R.  5* 


54  THE    PREPARATIVES 

Yet  more:  we  shall  be  so  far  from  the  dread  of 
that  judgment,  that  ourselves  shall  become  the  judges. 
Christ  will  take  his  people,  as  it  were,  into  commis- 
sion with  himself,  and  they  shall  sit  and  approve  his 
righteous  judgment.  Do  you  not  know  that  the 
saints  will  judge  the  world  ?  Nay,  "  know  ye  not 
that  we  shall  judge  angels  ?"  Were  it  not  for  the 
word  of  Christ  that  speaks  it,  this  advancement 
would  seem  incredible,  and  the  language  arrogant. 
Even  Enoch,  the  seventh  from  Adam,  prophesied 
this,  saying,  "Behold,  the  Lord  cometh  with  ten 
thousands  of  his  saints,  to  execute  judgment  upon 
all,  and  to  convince  all  that  are  ungodly  am.ong 
them,  of  all  their  ungodly  deeds  which  they  have 
ungodlily  committed,  and  of  all  their  hard  speeches 
which  ungodly  sinners  have  spoken  against  him." 
Thus  shall  the  saints  be  honored,  and  the  upright 
shall  have  dominion  in  the  morning.  O  that  the 
careless  world  "were  wise,  that  they  understood 
this,  that  they  would  consider  their  latter  end!"  that 
they  would  be  now  of  the  same  mind  as  they  will 
be  when  they  shall  see  the  heavens  pass  away  with 
a  great  noise,  and  the  elements  melt  with  fervent 
heat,  and  the  earth  also,  and  the  works  that  are 
therein,  burnt  up !  Avhen  all  shall  be  in  fire  about 
their  ears,  and  all  earthly  glory  consumed.  For  the 
heavens  and  the  earth  which  are  now%  are  reserved 
unto  fire  against  the  day  of  judgment,  and  perdition 
of  ungodly  men.  "  Seeing,  then,  that  a"  these  things 


55 

shall  be  dissolved,  what  manner  of  persons  ought  ye 
to  be  in  all  holy  conversation  and  godliness,  looking" 
for  and  hasting  unto  the  coming  of  the  day  of  God, 
wherein  the  heavens,  being  on  fire,  shall  be  dissolv- 
ed, and  the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent  heat?" 

4.  The  last  preparative  for  the  saints'  rest  is  their 
solemn  coronation  and  receiving  the  kingdom.  For, 
as  Christ,  their  Head,  is  anointed  both  King  and 
Priest,  so  under  him  are  his  people  made  unto  God 
both  kings  and  priests,  to  reign,  and  to  offer  praises 
for  ever.  The  crown  of  righteousness,  which  was 
laid  up  for  them,  shall  by  the  Lord,  the  righteous 
Judge,  be  given  them  at  that  day.  They  have  been 
faithful  unto  death,  and  therefore  he  will  give  them 
a  crown  of  life.  And  according  to  the  improvement 
of  their  talents  here,  so  shall  their  rule  and  dignity 
be  enlarged.  They  are  not  dignified  with  empty  ti- 
tles, but  real  dominion.  Christ  will  grant  them  to 
sit  with  him  on  his  throne,  and  will  give  them  power 
over  the  nations,  even  as  he  received  of  his  Father ; 
and  he  "will  give  them  the  morning  star."  The 
Lord  himself  will  give  them  possession,  with  these 
applauding  expressions :  "  Well  done,  good  and 
faithful  servant ;  thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few 
things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many  things ; 
enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 

And  with  this  solemn  and  blessed  proclamation 
shall  he  enthrone  them :  "  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my 
Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from 


56  THE    PREPARATIVES 

the  foundation  of  the  world."    Every  word  is  full  of 
life  and  joy.    "  Come" — this  is  the  holding  forth  of 
the  golden  sceptre,  to  warrant  our  approach  unto 
this  glory.    Come  now  as  near  as  you  will ;  fear  not 
the  Bethshemite's  judgment;  for  the  enmity  is  utterly 
abolished.    This  is  not  such  a  "  Come  "  as  we  were 
wont  to  hear,   "  Come,  take  up  your  cross,  and  fol- 
low me."    Though  that  was  sweet,  yet  this  is  much 
more.    "Ye   blessed" — blessed   indeed,  when  that 
mouth    shall   so   pronounce   us!     For   though  the 
world   hath   accounted  us  accursed,  and  we  have 
been  ready  to  account  ourselves  so ;  yet,  certainly, 
those  that  he  blesseth  are  blessed ;  and  those  whom 
he  curseth,  only  are  cursed :  and  his  blessing  can- 
not be  reversed.    "  Of  my  Father  " — blessed  in  the 
Father's  love,  as  well  as  the  Son's;  for  they  are  one. 
The  Father  hath  testified  his  love  in  thtir  election, 
donation  to  Christ,  sending  of  Christ,  and  accepting 
his  ransom,  as  the  Son  hath  also  testified  his.    "  In- 
herit"— Tio  longer  bondsmen,  nor  servants  only,  nor 
children  under  age,  who  difler  not  in  possession,  but 
only  in  title,  from  servants;  but  now  we  are  heirs  of 
the  kingdom,    and  joint-heirs  with  Christ.    "  The 
kingdom" — no  less  than  the  kingdom!    Indeed,  to 
be  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords,  is  our  Lord's 
own  proper  title ;  but  to  be  kings,  and  reign  with 
him,  is  ours.    The  enjoyment  of  this  kingdom  is  as 
the  light  of  the  sun ;  each  has  the  whole,  and  the 
rest  never  the  less     "  Prepared  for  you  " — God  is 


FOR  THE  saints'   RE3T.  57 

the  Alpha  as  well  as  the  Omega  of  our  blessedness. 
Eternal  love  hath  laid  the  foundation.    He  prepared 
the  kingdom  for  us,  and  then  prepared  us  for  the 
kingdom.     This  is  the  preparation  of  his  counsel 
and  decree ;  for  the  execution  whereof  Christ  was 
yet  to  make  a  further  preparation.  "  For  you  " — not 
for  believers  only,  in  general,  who,  without  indivi- 
dual persons,  are  nobody ;  but  for  you  personally. 
"From   the    foundation   of  the  world" — not  only 
from  the  promise  after  Adam's  fall,  but  from  eternity. 
Thus  we  have  seen  the  Christian  safely  landed 
in  Paradise,  and  conveyed  honorably  to  his  rest. 
Now  let  us  a  little  further,  in  the  next  chapter,  view 
those  mansions,  consider  their  privileges,  and  see 
whether  there  be  any  glory  like  unto  tliis  glory. 


CHAPTER    III. 

THE    EXCELLENCIES   OF    THB    SAINTs'  REST. 

1.  It  is  the  purchased  possession  ;  2.  A  free  gift ;  3,  Peculiar  to 
saints ;  4.  An  association  with  saints  and  angels  ;  5.  It  de- 
rives its  joys  immediately  from  God  himself.  6.  It  will  be 
seasonable ;  7.  Suitable  ;  8.  Perfect^  without  sin  and  suffer- 
ing ;  9.  And  everlasting. 

Let  us  draw  a  little  nearer,  and  see  what  further 
excellencies  this  rest  affordeth.    The  Lord  hide  us 


58  THE  EXCELLENCIES  OF 

in  the  clefts  of  the  rock,  and  cover  us  with  the  hands 
of  indulgent  grace,  while  we  approach  to  take  this 
view.  This  rest  is  excellent,  for  being  a  purchased 
possession;  a  free  gift;  peculiar  to  saints;  an  asso- 
ciation with  saints  and  angels  ;  yet  deriving  its  joys 
immediately  from  God ;  and  because  it  will  be  a 
seasonable,  suitable,  perfect,  and  eternal  rest. 

1.    It  is  a  most  singular  honor  of  the  saints'  rest, 
to  be  called  the  -purchased  possession;  that  is,  the 
fruit  of  the  blood  of  the  Son  of  God  ;  yea,  the  chiet 
fruit,  the  end  and  perfection  of  all  the  fruits  and  effi- 
cacy of  that  blood.    Greater  love  than  this  there  is 
not,  to  lay  down  the  life  of  the  lover.    And  to  have 
this  our  Redeemer  ever  before  our  eyes,  and  the  live- 
liest sense  and  freshest  remembrance  of  that  dying, 
bleeding  love,  still  upon  our  souls !    How  will  it  fill 
our  souls  with  perpetual  joy,  to  think,  that  in  the 
streams  of  this  blood  we  have  swum  through  the 
violence  of  the  world,  the  snares  of  Satan,  the  se- 
ducements  of  flesh,  the  curse  of  the  law,  the  wrath 
of  an  offended  God,  the  accusations  of  a  guilty  con- 
science, and  the  vexing  doubts  and  fears  of  an  unbe- 
lieving heart,  and  are  arrived  safely  at  the  presence 
of  God  !    Now  he  cries  to  us,  "  Is  it  nothing  to  you, 
all  ye  that  pass  by?  behold,  and  see  if  there  be  any 
sorrow  like  unto  my  sorrow!"    And  Ave  scarce  re- 
gard the  mournful  voice,  and  scarce  turn  aside  to 
view  the  wounds.    But  then  our  perfected  souls  will 
feel,  and  flame  in  love  for  love.    With  what  aston 


THE    saints'    rest.  59 

ishing  apprehensrons  will  redeemed  saints  everlast- 
ingly behold  their  blessed  Redeemer !  the  purcha- 
ser, and  the  price,  together  with  the  possession! 
Neither  will  the  view  of  his  wounds  of  love  renew 
our  wounds  of  sorrow.  He,  whose  first  words  after 
his  resurrection  were  to  a  great  sinner,  "  Woman, 
why  weepest  thou  ?"  knows  how  to  raise  love  and 
joy,  without  any  cloud  of  sorrow  or  storm  of  tears. 
If  any  thing  we  enjoy  was  purchased  with  the  life 
of  our  dearest  friend,  how  highly  should  we  value 
it !  If  a  dying  friend  deliver  us  but  a  token  of  his 
love,  how  carefully  do  we  preserve  it,  and  still  re- 
member him  when  we  behold  it,  as  if  his  own  name 
were  written  on  it !  And  will  not,  then,  the  death 
and  blood  of  our  Lord  everlastingly  sweeten  our 
possessed  glory  1  As  we  v/rite  down  the  price  our 
goods  cost  us ;  so,  on  our  righteousness  and  glory 
write  down  the  price,  The  precious  blood  of  Christ. 
His  sufferings  were  to  satisfy  the  justice  that  re- 
quired blood,  and  to  bear  what  ^vas  due  to  sinners, 
and  so  to  restore  them  to  the  life  they  lost,  and  the 
happiness  they  fell  from.  The  work  of  Christ's  re- 
demption, so  well  pleased  the  Father,  that  he  gave 
him  pov\'er  to  advance  his  chosen,  and  give  them 
the  glory  which  was  given  to  himself;  and  all  this 
"  according  to  his  good  pleasure,  and  the  counsel  of 
his  own  will." 

2.    Another  pearl  in  the  saints'  diadem  is,  that  it 
is  a  free  gift.    These  two,  purchased  and  free,  are 


60  THE    EXCELLENCIES    OF 

the  chains  of  gold  which  make  up  the  wreaths  for 
the  tops  of  the  pillars  in  the  temple  of  God.  It  was 
dear  to  Christ,  but  free  to  us.  AVhen  Christ  was  to 
buy,  silver  and  gold  were  nothing  worth;  prayers 
and  tears  could  not  suffice,  nor  any  thing  below  his 
blood ;  but  our  buying  is  receiving  ;  we  have  it  free* 
ly,  without  money  and  without  price.  A  thankful 
acceptance  of  a  free  acquittance  is  no  paying  of  the 
debt.  Here  is  all  free ;  if  the  Father  freely  give  the 
Son,  and  the  Son  freely  pay  the  debt ;  and  if  God 
freely  accept  that  way  of  payment,  when  he  might 
have  required  it  of  the  principal ;  and  if  both  Father 
and  Son  freely  offer  us  the  purchased  life  on  our 
cordial  acceptance ;  and  if  they  freely  send  the  Spirit 
to  enable  us  to  accept ;  what  is  here,  then,  that  is  not 
free  ?  O  the  everlasting  admiration  that  must  needs 
surprise  the  saints  to  think  of  this  freeness  !  "  What 
did  the  Lord  see  in  me,  that  he  should  judge  me 
meet  for  such  a  state  1  That  I,  who  was  but  a  poor 
diseased,  despised  wretch,  should  be  clad  in  the 
brightness  of  this  glory!  That  I,  a  creeping  worm, 
should  be  advanced  to  this  high  dignity !  That  I, 
who  was  but  lately  groaning,  weeping,  dying,  should 
now  be  as  full  of  joy  as  my  heart  can  hold !  yea, 
should  be  taken  from  the  grave,  where  I  was  decay- 
ing, and  from  the  dust  and  darkness  where  I  seem- 
ed forgotten,  and  be  here  set  before  his  throne ! 
That  I  should  be  taken,  with  Mordecai,  from  capti- 
vity, and  be  set  next  unto  the  king ;  and,  with  Daniel 


TKE    SAINTS'  REST.  61 

{torn  the  den,  to  be  made  rulei"  of  princes  and  pro* 
vinces!  Who  can  fathom  unmeasurable  love?"  If 
worthiness  were  oar  condition  for  admittanc-e,  we 
might  sit  down  and  weep,  with  St.  John^  because  no 
man  was  found  worthy.  But  the  Lion  of  the  tribe 
of  Judah  is  worthy,  and  hath  prevailed ;  and  by  that 
title  we  must  hold  the  inheritance.  We  shall  offer 
there  the  offering  that  David  refused,  even  praise  for 
that  which  cost  us  nothing.  Here  our  commission 
runs,  Freely  ye  have  received,  freely  give;  but 
Christ  has  dearly  bought,  yet  freely  gives. 

If  it  were  only  for  iiothing,  and  without  our  me- 
rit, the  wonder  were  great ;  but  it  is  moreover  against 
our  merit,  and  against  our  long  endeavoring  our 
own  ruin.  What  an  astonishing  thought  it  will  be, 
to  think  of  the  unmeasurable  difference  between  our 
deservings  and  receivings!  between  the  state  we 
should  have  been  in,  and  the  state  we  are  in !  to 
look  down  upon  hell,  and  see  the  vast  difference  that 
grace  hath  made  between  us  and  them !  to  see  the 
inheritance  there,  which  we  were  born  to,  so  differ- 
ent from  that  which  we  are  adopted  to !  What  pangs 
of  love  will  it  cause  within  us  to  think,  "  Yonder 
was  the  place  that  sin  would  have  brought  me  to  ; 
but  this  is  it  that  Christ  hath  brought  me  to !  Yonder 
death  was  the  wages  of  my  sin,  but  this  eternal  hfe 
is  the  gift  of  God,  through  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord. 
Who  made  me  to  differ  1  Had  I  not  now  been  in 
those  flames,  if  I  had  had  my  own  way,  and  been 

s.   R.  6 


62  THE    tXCELLENCIES    OF 

let.  alone  to  my  own  vrill?  Should  1  not  have  ]in» 
gcred  in  Sodom  till  the  flames  had  seized  on  me,  if 
Cjod  had  not  in  mercy  brought  mo  out  ?"  Doubtless 
this  will  be  our  everlasting  admiration,  that  so  rich 
a  crown  should  fit  the  head  of  so  vile  a  sinner ;  that 
such  high  advancement,  and  such  long  unfruitfulnes3 
and  unkindness,  can  be  the  state  of  the  same  person, 
and  that  such  vile  rebellions  can  conclude  in  such 
most  precious  joys  !  But  no  thanks  to  us,  nor  to  any 
of  our  duties  and  labors,  much  less  to  our  neglects 
and  laziness :  we  know  to  whom  the  praise  is  due, 
and  must  be  given  for  ever.  Indeed,  to  this  very  end 
it  was  that  infinite  wisdom  cast  the  whole  design  of 
man's  salvation  into  this  mold  of  purchase  and  free- 
ness,  that  the  love  and  joy  of  man  might  be  perfected, 
and  the  honor  of  grace  most  highly  advanced ;  that 
the  thought  of  merit  might  neither  cloud  the  one  nor 
obstruct  the  other  ;  and  that  on  these  two  hinges  the 
gate  of  heaven  might  turn.  So  then,  let  deserved 
be  written  on  the  door  of  hell ;  but  on  the  door  of 
heaven  and  life,  the  free  gift. 

3.  This  rest  is  peculiar  to  sahit!^,  belongs  to  no 
other  of  all  the  sons  of  men.  If  all  Egypt  had  been 
light,  the  Israelites  would  not  have  had  the  less  but 
to  enjoy  that  light  alone,  while  their  neighbors  lived 
in  thick  darkness,  must  make  them  more  sensible  of 
their  privilege.  Distinguishing  mercy  affects  more 
than  any  mercy.  If  Pharaoh  had  passed  as  safely 
as  Israel,  the  Red  Sea  would  have  been  less  remem 


THE    SAINTS    REST.  63 

bered.  If  the  rest  of  the  world  had  not  been  drown- 
ed, and  the  rest  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  not  burn- 
ed, the  saving  of  Noah  had  been  no  wonder,  nor 
Lot's  deliverance  so  much  talked  of  When  one  is 
enlightened,  and  another  left  in  darkness ;  one  re- 
formed, and  another  by  his  lust  enslaved  ;  it  makes 
the  saints  cry  out,  "  Lord,  how  is  it  that  thou  wilt 
manifest  thyself  unto  us,  and  not  unto  the  world  ?" 
When  the  prophet  is  sent  to  one  widow  only  of  all 
that  were  in  Israel,  and  to  cleanse  one  Naaman  of 
all  the  lepers,  the  mercy  is  more  observable.  That 
will  surely  be  a  day  of  passionate  sense  on  both  sides, 
when  there  shall  be  two  in  one  bed,  and  two  in  the 
field,  the  one  taken  and  the  other  left.  The  saints 
shall  look  down  upon  the  burning  lake,  and  in  the 
sense  of  their  own  happiness,  and  in  the  approbation 
of  God's  just  proceedings,  they  shall  rejoice  and  sing, 
*'  Thou  art  righteous,  O  Lord  !  who  wast,  art,  and 
shalt  be,  because  thou  hast  judged  thus." 

4.  But  though  this  rest  be  peculiar  to  the  saints, 
yet  it  is  common  to  all  the  saints ;  for  it  is  an  asso- 
ciation of  blessed  spirits,  both  saints  and  angels  ;  a 
corporation  of  perfected  saints,  whereof  Christ  is  the 
head ;  the  communion  of  saints  completed.  As  we 
have  been  together  in  the  labor,  duty,  danger,  and 
distress ;  so  shall  we  be  in  the  great  recompense 
and  deliverance.  As  we  have  been  scorned  and  de- 
spised, so  shall  we  be  owned  and  honored  together. 
We  who  have  gone  through  the  day  of  sadness, 


64  THE  EXCELLENCIES  OF 

shall  enjoy  together  that  day  of  gladness.  Those 
who  have  been  with  us  in  persecution  and  in  prison, 
shall  be  with  us  also  in  that  palace  of  consolation. 
How  oft  have  our  groans  made,  as  it  were,  one 
sound !  our  tears  one  stream  !  and  our  desires  one 
prayer  !  But  now  all  our  praises  shall  make  up  one 
melody;  all  our  churches,  one  church;  and  all  our- 
selves, one  body ;  for  we  shall  be  all  one  in  Christ, 
even  as  he  and  the  Father  are  one.  It  is  true,  we 
must  be  careful  not  to  look  for  that  in  the  saints 
which  is  alone  in  Christ.  But  if  the  forethought  of 
sitting  down  with  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob, 
in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  may  be  our  lawful  joy  ; 
how  much  more  the  real  sight  and  actual  possession ! 
It  cannot  but  be  comfortable  to  think  of  that  day, 
when  we  shall  join  with  Moses  in  his  song,  with 
David  in  his  psalms  of  praise,  and  with  all  the  re- 
deemed in  the  song  of  the  Lamb  for  ever ;  when  we 
shall  see  Enoch  walking  with  God  ;  Noah  enjoying 
the  end  of  his  singularity  ;  Joseph  of  his  integrity ; 
Job  of  his  patience ;  Hezekiah  of  his  uprightness  ; 
and  all  the  saints  the  end  of  their  faith.  Not  only 
our  old  acquaintance,  but  all  the  saints  of  all  ages, 
whose  faces  in  the  flesh  we  never  saw,  we  shall  there 
both  know  and  comfortably  enjoy.  Yea,  angels  as 
well  as  saints  will  be  our  blessed  acquaintance. 
Those  who  now  are  willingly  our  ministering  spi- 
rits, will  willingly  then  be  our  companions  in  joy. 
They,  who  had  such  joy  in  heaven  for  our  conver- 


THE  saints'  rest.  65 

sion,  will  gladly  rejoice  with  us  in  our  glorification. 
Then  we  shall  truly  say,  as  David,  I  am  a  compa- 
nion of  all  them  that  fear  thee  ;  when  "  we  are  come 
unto  Mount  Zion,  and  unto  the  city  of  the  living  God, 
the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  and  to  an  innumerable  com- 
pany of  angels ;  to  the  general  assembly  and  church 
of  the  first-born,  who  are  written  in  heaven,  and  to 
God  the  Judge  of  all,  and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men 
made  perfect,  and  to  Jesus  the  Mediator  of  the  new 
covenant."  It  is  a  singular  excellence  of  heavenly 
rest,  that  "we  are  fellow-citizens  v/ith  the  saints, 
and  of  the  household  of  God." 

5.  As  another  property  of  our  rest,  we  shall  de- 
rive its  joys  immediately  froiii  God.  Now  we  have 
nothing  at  all  immediately,  but  at  the  second  or 
third  hand ;  or  how  many,  who  knows  ?  From  the 
earth,  from  man,  from  sun  and  moon,  from  the  mi- 
nistration of  angels,  and  from  the  Spirit,  and  Christ. 
Though,  in  the  hand  of  angels,  the  stream  savors 
not  of  the  imperfection  of  sinners,  yet  it  does  of  the 
imperfection  of  creatures ;  and  as  it  comes  from  man, 
it  savors  of  both.  How  quick  and  piercmg  is  the 
word  in  itself!  Yet  many  times  it  never  enters,  be- 
ing managed  by  a  feeble  arm.  What  weight  and 
worth  is  there  in  every  passage  of  the  blessed  Gos- 
pel !  Enough,  one  would  think,  to  enter  and  pierce 
the  dullest  soul,  and  wholly  possess  its  thoughts 
and  affections ;  and  yet  how  oft  does  it  fall  as  water 
upon  a  stone  !   The  things  of  God  which  we  handle, 

S.  R.  6* 


66  THE    EXCELLENCIES    OT 

are  divine ;  but  our  manner  of  handling  is  human. 
There  is  little  we  touch,  but  we  leave  the  print  of 
our  fing-ers  behind.     If  God  speaks  the  word  him- 
self, it  will  be  a  piercing-,  mehing  word  indeed.   The 
Christian  now  knows,  by  experience,  that  his  most 
immediate  joys  are  his  sweetest  joys ;  which  have 
least  of  man,  and  are  most  directly  from  the  Spirit. 
Christians  who  are  much  in  secret  prayer  and  con- 
templation, are  men  of  greatest  life  and  joy ;  because 
they  have  all  more  immediately  from  God  himselt 
Not  that  we  should  cast  off  hearing,  reading,  and 
conference,  or  neglect  any  ordinance  of  God ;  but  to 
live  above  them  while  we  use  them,  is  the  way  of  a 
Christian.    There  is  joy  in  these  remote  receivings ; 
but  the  fullness  of  joy  is  in  God's  immediate  pre- 
sence.    We  shall  then  have  light  without  a  candle, 
and  perpetual  day  without  the  sun ;  for  "  the  city 
has  no  need  of  the  sun,  neither  of  the  moon  to  shine 
in  it ;  for  the  glory  of  God  lightens  it,  and  the  Lamb 
is  the  light  thereof;  there  shall  be  no  night  there, 
and  they  need  no  candle,  neither  light  of  the  sun ; 
and  they  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever."     We  shall 
then  have  enlightened  understandings  without  Scrip- 
ture, and  be  governed  without  a  written  law ;  lor  the 
Lord  will  perfect  his  law  in  our  hearts,  and  we  shall 
be  all  perfectly  taught  of  God.     We  shall  have  joy, 
which  we  drew  not  from  the  promises,  nor  fetched 
home  by  faith  or  hope.    We  shall  have  communion 
without  ordinances,  without  this  fruit  of  the  vine. 


THE  saints'  rest.  67 

when  Christ  shall  drink  it  new  with  us  in  his  Fa- 
ther's kingdom,  and  refresh  us  with  the  comforting" 
wine  of  immediate  enjoyment.  To  have  necessities, 
but  no  supply,  is  the  case  of  them  in  hell.  To  have 
necessity  supplied  by  means  of  the  creatures,  is  the 
case  of  us  on  earth.  To  have  necessity  supplied 
immediately  from  Grod,  is  the  case  of  the  saints  in 
heaven.  To  have  no  necessity  at  all,  is  the  prero- 
gative of  God  himself 

6.  A  further  excellence  of  this  rest  is,  that  it  will 
be  seasonable.  He  that  expects  the  fruit  of  his  vine- 
yard at  the  season,  and  makes  his  people  "  like  a 
tree  planted  by  the  rivers  of  water,  that  bringeth 
forth  his  fruit  in  his  season,"  will  also  give  them 
the  crown  in  his  season.  He  that  will  have  a  word 
of  joy  spoken  in  season  to  him  that  is  weary,  will 
surely  cause  the  time  of  joy  to  appear  in  the  fittest 
season.  They  who  are  not  weary  in  well-doing, 
shall,  if  they  faint  not,  reap  in  due  season.  If  God 
giveth  rain  even  to  his  enemies,  both  the  former 
and  the  latter  in  his  season,  and  reserveth  the  ap- 
pointed weeks  of  harvest,  and  covenants  that  there 
shall  be  day  and  night  in  their  season ;  then  surely 
the  glorious  harvest  of  the  saints  shall  not  miss  its 
season.  Doubtless,  he  that  would  not  stay  a  day 
longer  than  his  promise,  but  brought  Israel  out  of 
Egypt  on  the  self-same  day  when  the  four  hundred 
and  thirty  years  were  expired,  neither  will  he  fail 
of  one  day  or  hour  of  the  fittest  season  for  his  peo- 


08  THE    EXCELLENCIES    OF 

pie's  glory.  When  we  have  had  in  this  world  a 
long  night  of  darkness,  will  not  the  day-breaking, 
and  the  rising  of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness,  be  then 
seasonable  ?  When  we  have  passed  a  long  and  te- 
dious journey,  through  no  small  dangers,  is  not 
home  then  seasonable  ?  When  we  have  had  a  long 
and  perilous  war,  and  received  many  a  wound, 
would  not  a  peace,  with  victory,  be  seasonable? 
Men  live  in  a  continual  weariness ;  especially  the 
saints,  who  are  most  weary  of  that  which  the  world 
cannot  feel.  Some  w^eary  of  a  blind  mind ;  some  of 
a  hard  heart ;  some  of  their  daily  doubts  and  fears ; 
some  of  the  want  of  spiritual  joys ;  and  some  of  the 
sense  of  God's  wrath.  And  when  a  poor  Chris- 
tian hath  desired  and  prayed,  and  waited  for  deli- 
verance many  years,  is  it  not  then  seasonable  ?  We 
grudge  that  we  do  not  find  a  Canaan  in  the  wilder- 
ness ;  or  the  songs  of  Sion  in  a  strange  land ;  that 
we  have  not  a  harbor  in  the  main  ocean,  nor  our 
rest  in  the  heat  of  the  day,  nor  heaven  before  we 
leave  the  earth ;  and  would  not  all  this  be^  very 
unseasonable  ? 

7.  As  this  rest  will  be  seasonable,  so  it  will  be 
suitable.  The  new  nature  of  the  saints  doth  suit 
their  spirits  to  this  rest.  Indeed,  their  holiness  is 
nothing  else  but  a  spark  taken  from  this  element, 
and  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ  kindled  in  their  hearts ; 
the  flame  whereof,  mindful  of  its  owti  divine  origi- 
nal, ever  tends  to  the  place  from  whence  it  comes. 


THE  saints'  rest.  69 

Temporal  cro\vns  and  kingdoms  could  not  make  a 
rest  for  saints.  As  they  were  not  redeemed  with  so 
low  a  price,  neither  are  they  endued  with  so  low  a 
nature.  As  God  will  have  from  them  a  spiritual 
worship,  suited  to  his  own  spiritual  being,  he  will 
provide  them  a  spiritual  rest,  suitable  to  their  spi- 
ritual nature.  The  knowledge  of  God  and  his 
Christ,  a  delightful  complacency  in  that  mutual 
love,  an  everlasting  rejoicing  in  the  enjoyment  of 
our  God,  with  a  perpetual  singing  of  his  high 
praises ;  this  is  a  heaven  for  a  saint.  Then  we  shall 
live  in  our  own  element.  We  are  now  as  the  fish 
in  a  vessel  of  water,  only  so  much  as  will  keep 
them  alive ;  but  what  is  that  to  the  ocean  ?  We  have 
a  little  air  let  in  to  us,  to  afford  us  breathing ;  but 
what  is  that  to  the  sweet  and  fresh  gales  upon 
Mount  Sion  ?  We  have  a  beam  of  the  sun  to  light- 
en our  darkness,  and  a  warm  ray  to  keep  us  from 
freezing ;  but  then  we  shall  live  in  its  light,  and  be 
revived  by  its  heat  for  ever.  As  the  natures  of  the 
saints  are,  such  are  their  desires ;  and  it  is  the  de- 
sires of  our  renewed  nature  which  this  rest  is  suit- 
ed to.  Whilst  our  desires  remain  corrupted  and 
misguided,  it  is  a  far  greater  mercy  to  deny  them, 
yea,  to  destroy  them,  than  to  satisfy  them ;  but  those 
which  are  spiritual  are  of  his  own  planting,  and  he 
will  surely  water  them,  and  give  the  increase.  He 
quickened  our  hunger  and  thirst  for  righteousness, 
that  he  might  make  us  happy  in  a  full  satisfaction. 


7Q  THE    EXCELLENCIES    OF 

Christian,  this  is  a  rest  after  thy  own  heart ;  it  con- 
tains all  that  thy  heart  can  wish ;  that  which  thou  long- 
est, prayest,  laborest  for,  there  thou  shalt  find  it  all. 
Thou  hadst  rather  have  God  in  Christ,  than  all  the 
world ;  there  thou  shalt  have  him.  What  wouldst 
thou  not  give  for  assurance  of  his  love?  There 
thou  shalt  have  assurance  without  suspicion.  De- 
sire what  thou  canst,  and  ask  what  thou  wilt,  as  a 
Christian,  and  it  shall  be  given  thee,  not  only  to 
half  of  the  kingdom,  but  to  the  enjoyment  both  of 
kingdom  and  King.  This  is  a  life  of  desire  and 
prayer,  but  that  is  a  life  of  satisfaction  and  enjoy- 
ment. This  rest  is  very  suitable  to  the  saints'  ne- 
cessities also,  as  well  as  to  their  natures  and  desires. 
It  contains  whatsoever  they  tiuly  wanted;  not  sup- 
plying them  w^th  gross-created  comforts,  which, 
like  Saul's  armor  on  David,  are  more  burden 
than  benefit.  It  was  Christ  and  perfect  holiness 
which  they  most  needed,  and  with  these  shall  they 
be  supplied. 

8.  Still  more,  this  rest  will  be  absolutely  perfect. 
We  shall  then  have  joy  without  sorrow,  and  rest 
Avithout  weariness.  There  is  no  mixture  of  corrup- 
tion with  our  graces,  nor  of  suffering  with  our  com- 
fort. There  are  none  of  those  waves  in  that  harbor, 
which  now  so  toss  us  up  and  down.  To-day  we  are 
well,  to-morrow  sick ;  to-day  in  esteem,  to-morrow  in 
disgrace ;  to-day  we  have  friends,  to-morrow  none ; 
nay,  we  have  wine  and  vinegar  in  the  same  cup.     If 


THE    SAINTS'    REST.  71 

revelations  raise  us  to  the  third  heaven,  the  messen- 
ger of  Satan  must  presently  buffet  us,  and  the  thorn 
in  the  flesh  fetch  us  down.  But  there  is  none  of  this 
inconstancy  in  heaven.  If  perfect  love  casteth  out 
fear,  then  perfect  joy  must  needs  cast  out  sorrow, 
and  perfect  happiness  exclude  all  the  relics  of  niise- 
ry.  We  shall  there  rest  from  all  the  evil  of  sin  and 
of  suffering. 

Heaven  excludes  nothing-  more  directly  than  sin, 
whether  of  nature  or  of  conversation.  "  There  shall 
in  no  wise  enter  any  thing  that  defileth,  neither 
whatsover  worketh  abomination,  or  maketh  a  lie." 
What  need  Christ  at  all  to  have  died,  if  heaven  could 
have  contained  imperfect  souls  ?  "  For  this  purpose 
the  Son  of  God  was  manifested,  that  he  might  de- 
stroy the  works  of  the  devil."  His  blood  and  Spirit 
have  not  done  all  this,  to  leave  us,  after  all,  defiled. 
•'  What  communion  hath  light  with  darkness  ?  and 
what  concord  hath  Christ  Avith  Belial  ?"  Christian, 
if  thou  be  once  in  heaven,  thou  shalt  sin  no  more.  Is 
not  this  glad  news  to  thee,  who  hast  prayed  and 
watched  against  it  so  long  ?  I  know,  if  it  were  of- 
fered to  thy  choice,  thou  wouldst  rather  choose  to 
be  freed  from  sin,  than  have  all  the  world.  Thou 
shalt  have  thy  desire.  That  hard  heart,  those  vile 
thoughts,  which  accompanied  thee  to  every  duty, 
shall  then  be  left  behind  for  ever.  Thy  understand- 
ing shall  never  more  be  troubled  with  darkness.  All 
dark  Scriptures  shall  be  made  plain ;  all  seeming 


72  TH£    EXCELLENCIES    OF 

contradictions  reconciled.    The  poorest  Christian  id 
presently  there  a  more  perfect  divine  than  any  here. 
O  that  happy  day,  when  error  shall  vanish  for  ever ! 
when  our  understanding  shall  be  filled  with  God 
himself,  whose  light  will  leave  no  darkness  in  us ! 
His  face  shall  be  the  Scripture,  where  we  shall  read 
the  truth.    Many  a  godly  man  hath  here,  in  his  mis' 
taken  zeal,  been  a  means  to  deceive  and  pervert  his 
brethren,  and,  when  he  sees  his  own  error,  cannot 
again  tell  how  to  undeceive  them.     But  there  we 
shall  conspire  in  one  truth,  as  being  one  in  him  who 
is  the  truth.     We  shall  also  rest  from  all  the  sin  of 
our  will,  affection,  and  conversation.    We  shall  no 
more  retain  this  rebelling  principle,  which  is  still 
drawing  us  from  God ;  no  more  be  oppressed  with 
the  power  of  our  corruptions,  nor  vexed  with  their 
presence :  no  pride,  passion,  slothfulness,  insensibil' 
ity,  shall  enter  with  us ;  no  strangeness  to  God,  and 
the  things  of  God ;  no  coldness  of  affections,  nor 
imperfection  in  our  love ;  no  uneven  walking,  nor 
grieving  of  the  Spirit ;  no  scandalous  action,  nor 
unholy  conversation :   we  shall  rest  from  all  these 
for  ever.     Then  shall  our  will  correspond  to  the 
divine  will,  as  face  answers  face  in  a  glass,  and 
from  which,  as  our  law  and  rule,  we  shall  never 
swerve.     "  For  he  that  is  entered  into  his  rest,  he 
also  hath  ceased  from  his  own  works,  as  God  did 
from  his." 

Our  sufferings  were  but  the  consequences  of  oui 


THE    SAINTS      REST.  73 

smiling,  and  in  heaven  they  both  shall  cease  toge- 
ther. We  shall  rest  from  all  our  doubts  of  God's 
love.  It  shall  no  more  be  said,  that  "  Doubts  are 
like  the  thistle,  a  bad  weed,  but  growing  in  good 
ground."  They  shall  now  be  weeded  out,  and  trou- 
ble the  gracious  soul  no  more.  We  shall  hear  that 
kind  of  language  no  more,  "  What  shall  I  do  to 
know  my  state  ?  How  shall  I  know  that  God  is  my 
Father  ?  that  my  heart  is  upright  ?  that  my  conver- 
sion is  true  ?  that  faith  is  sincere  ?  I  am  afraid  my 
sins  are  unpardoned ;  that  all  I  do  is  hypocrisy ; 
that  God  will  reject  me ;  that  he  does  not  hear  my 
prayers."  All  this  is  there  turned  into  praise.  We 
shall  rest  from  all  sense  of  God's  displeasure.  Hell 
shall  not  be  mixed  with  heaven.  At  times  the  gra- 
cious soul  remembered  God,  and  was  troubled  :  com- 
plained, and  Avas  overwhelmed,  and  refused  to  be 
comforts- 1 :  divine  Avrath  lay  hard  upon  him,  and 
God  afflicted  him  with  all  his  waves.  But  that 
blessed  day  shall  convince  us,  that,  though  God  hid 
his  face  from  us  for  a  moment,  yet  with  everlasting 
kindness  will  he  have  mercy  on  us.  We  shall  rest 
from  all  the  temptations  of  Satan.  What  a  grief  is 
it  to  a  Christian,  though  he  yield  not  to  the  tempta- 
tion, yet  to  be  solicited  tD  deny  his  Lord !  What  a 
torment  to  have  such  horrid  motions  made  to  his 
soul !  such  blasphemous  ideas  presented  to  his  ima- 
gination !  sometimes  cruel  thoughts  of  God,  under- 
valuing thoughts  of  Christ,  unbelieving  thoughts  of 
s.  R.  7 


74  THE    EXCELLENCIES    OF 

Scripture,  or  injurious  thoughts  of  Providence  f  io 
he  tempted  sometimes  to  turn  to  present  things,  to 
play  with  the  baits  of  sin,  and  venture  on  the  delights 
of  flesh,  and  sometimes  to  atheism  itself!  especially 
when  we  know  the  treachery  of  our  OAvn  hearts,  rea- 
dy as  tinder  to  take  fire  as  soon  as  one  of  those  sparks 
shall  fall  upon  them !  Satan  hath  power  here  to  tempt 
us  in  the  wilderness,  but  he  entereth  not  the  holy 
city ;  he  may  set  us  on  a  pinnacle  of  the  temple  in 
the  earthly  Jerusalem,  but  the  New  Jerusalem  ho 
may  not  approach ;  he  may  take  us  up  into  an  ex- 
ceeding high  mountain,  but  the  Mount  Sion  he  can- 
not ascend  ;  and  if  he  could,  all  the  kingdoms  of  the 
world,  and  the  glory  of  them,  would  be  a  despised 
bait  to  a  soul  possessed  of  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord. 
No,  it  is  in  vain  for  Satan  to  offer  a  temptation  more. 
All  our  temptations  from  the  world  and  the  flesh 
shall  also  cease.  O  the  hourly  dangers  that  we 
here  walk  in  !  Every  sense  and  member  is  a  snare ; 
every  creature,  every  mercy,  and  every  duty  is  a 
snare  to  us.  We  can  scarce  open  our  eyes,  but  we 
are  in  danger  of  envying  those  above  us,  or  despis- 
ing those  below  us;  of  coveting  the  honors  and 
riches  of  some,  or  beholding  the  rags  and  beggary 
of  others  with  pride  and  unmercifulness.  If  we  see 
beauty,  it  is  a  bait  to  lust ;  if  deformity,  to  loathing 
and  disdain.  How  soon  do  slanderous  reports,  vain 
jests,  wanton  speeches,  creep  into  the  heart !  How 
constant  and  strong  a  watch  does  our  appetite  re^ 


75 

quiiel  Have  we  comeliness  and  beauty?  What 
fuel  for  pride !  Are  we  deformed  ?  What  an  occa- 
sion of  repining  !  Have  we  strength  of  reason  and 
gifts  of  learning  ?  O  how  prone  to  be  puffed  up, 
hunt  after  applause,  and  despise  our  brethren  !  Are 
we  unlearned  ?  How  apt  then  to  despise  what  we 
have  not !  Are  we  in  places  of  authority  ?  How 
strong  is  the  temptation  to  abuse  our  trust,  make  our 
will  our  law,  and  cut  out  all  the  enjoyments  of  others 
by  the  rules  and  model  of  our  own  interest  and 
policy  !  Are  we  inferiors  ?  How  prone  to  grudge 
at  others'  pre-eminence,  and  bring  their  actions  to 
the  bar  of  our  judgment !  Are  we  rich,  and  not  too 
much  exalted  ?  Are  we  poor,  and  not  discontented  ? 
Are  we  not  lazy  in  our  duties,  or  make  a  Christ  of 
them  ?  Not  that  God  hath  made  these  things  our 
snares  ;  but  through  'our  own  corruption  they  be- 
come so  to  us.  Ourselves  are  the  greatest  snare  to 
ourselves.  This  is  our  comfort,  our  rest  will  free  us 
from  all  these.  As  Satan  hath  no  entrance  there,  so 
neither  any  thing  to  serve  his  malice  ;  but  all  things 
there  shall  join  with  us  in  the  high  praises  of  our 
great  Deliverer.  As  we  rest  from  the  temptations, 
we  shall  likewise  from  the  abuses  and  persecutions 
.of  the  world.  The  prayers  of  the  souls  under  the 
altar  will  then  be  answered,  and  God  will  avenge 
their  blood  on  them  that  dwell  on  the  earth.  This 
is  the  time  for  crowning  with  thorns;  that,  for 
cro^vning  with   glory.      Now,   "all  that  will  live 


76  THE    EXCELLENCIES    OF 

godly  in  Christ  Jesus  shall  suffer  persecution :" 
then,  they  that  suflered  with  him  shall  be  glorified 
with  him.  Now,  v/e  must  be  hated  of  all  men  for 
Christ's  name's  sake ;  then,  Christ  will  be  admired 
in  his  saints  that  were  thus  hated.  We  are  here 
made  a  spectacle  unto  the  world,  and  to  angels,  and 
to  men:  as  the  filth  of  the  world,  and  the  ofiscour- 
ing  of  all  things,  men  separate  us  from  their  com- 
pany, and  reproach  us,  and  cast  out  our  names  as 
evil ;  but  we  shall  then  be  as  much  gazed  at  for  our 
glory,  and  they  will  be  shut  out  of  the  church  of 
the  saints,  and  separated  from  us,  whether  they  Avill 
or  not.  We  can  scarce  now  pray  in  our  families, 
or  sing  praises  to  God,  but  our  voice  is  a  vexation 
to  them :  how  must  it  torment  them,  then,  to  see  us 
praising  and  rejoicing,  while  they  are  howling  and 
lamenting !  You,  brethren,  who  can  now  attempt 
no  work  of  God  without  losing  the  love  of  the 
world,  consider,  you  shall  have  none  in  heaven  but 
will  further  your  work,  and  join  heart  and  voice 
with  you  in  your  everlasting  joy  and  praise.  Till 
then,  possess  ye  your  souls  in  patience.  Bind  all 
reproaches  as  a  cro^vn  to  your  heads.  Esteem 
them  greater  riches  than  the  world's  treasures.  "  It 
is  a  righteous  thing  with  God  to  recompense  tribu- 
lation to  them  that  trouble  you :  and  to  you  Avho 
are  troubled,  rest  with  Christ.'"  We  shall  then 
rest  from  all  our  saa  divisions  and  unchristian 
quarrels  with  one  another.     How  lovingly  do  thou- 


THE    SAINTS     REST.  77 

sands  live  together  in  heaven,  who  lived  at  variance 
upon  earth  !  There  is  no  contention,  because  none 
of  this  pride,  ignorance,  or  other  corruption.  There 
IS  no  plotting  to  strengthen  our  party,  nor  deep  de- 
signing against  our  brethren.  If  there  be  sorrow 
or  shame  in  heaven,  we  shall  then  be  both  sorry 
and  ashamed  to  remember  all  this  conduct  on  earth ; 
as  Joseph's  brethren  w-ere  to  behold  him,  when  they 
remembered  their  former  unkind  usage.  Is  it  not 
enough  that  all  the  world  is  against  us,  but  we  must 
also  be  against  one  another  1  O  happy  days  of  per- 
secution, which  drove  us  together  in  love,  whom 
the  sunshine  of  liberty  and  prosperity  crumbles  into 
dust  by  our  contentions  !  O  happy  day  of  the  saints, 
rest  in  glory,  when,  as  there  is  one  God,  one  Christ, 
one  Spirit,  so  we  shall  have  one  heart,  one  church, 
one  employment  for  ever  ! 

We  shall  then  rest  from  our  participation  of  our 
brethren's  sufferings.  The  church  on  earth  is  a 
mere  hospital !  Some  groaning  under  a  dark  un- 
derstanding, some  under  an  insensible  heart,  some 
languishing  under  unfruitful  weakness,  and  some 
bleeding  for  miscarriages  and  willfulness;  some 
crying  out  of  their  poverty,  some,  groaning  under 
pains  and  infirmities,  and  some  bewailing  a  whole 
catalogue  of  calamities.  But  a  far  greater  grief  it 
is,  to  see  our  dearest  and  most  intimate  friends 
turned  aside  from  the  truth  of  Christ,  continuing 
their  neglect  of  Christ  and  their  souls,  and  nothing 

s.  R.  7* 


78  THE    EXCELLENCIES    OF 

will  awaken  them  out  of  their  security :  to  look  on 
an  ungodly  lather  or  mother,  brother  or  sister,  wife 
or  husband,  child  or  friend,  and  think  how  certainly 
they  shall  be  in  hell  for  ever,  if  they  die  in  their 
present  unregenerate  state ;  to  think  of  the  Gospel 
departing,  the  glory  taken  from  our  Israel,  poor 
souis  left  willingly  dark  and  destitute,  and  blowing 
out  the  light  that  should  guide  them  to  salvation ! 
Our  day  of  rest  will  free  us  from  all  this,  and  the 
days  of  mourning  shall  be  ended ;  then  thy  people, 
O  Lord,  shall  be  all  righteous ;  they  shall  inherit 
the  land  for  ever,  the  branch  of  thy  planting,  the 
work  of  thy  hands,  that  thou  mayest  be  glorified. 
Then  we  shall  rest  from  all  our  own  personal  suf- 
ferings. This  may  seem  a  small  thing  to  those 
that  live  in  ease  and  prosperity;  but  to  the  daily 
afflicted  soul  it  makes  the  thoughts  of  heaven  de- 
lightful. O  the  dying  life  we  now  live !  as  full  of 
sufferings  as  of  days  and  hours  !  Our  Redeemer 
leaves  this  measure  of  misery  upon  us,  to  make  us 
know  for  what  we  are  beholden,  to  mind  us  of  what 
we  should  else  forget,  to  be  serviceable  to  his  wise 
and  gracious  designs,  and  advantageous  to  our  full 
and  final  recovery.  Grief  enters  at  every  sense, 
seizes  every  part  and  power  of  flesh  and  spirit. 
What  noble  part  is  there,  that  suffereth'its  pain  or 
ruin  alone?  But  sin  and  flesh,  dust  and  pain,  will 
all  be  left  behind  together,  O  the  blessed  tranquil- 
ity of  that  region,  where  there  is  nothing  but  sweet 


THE  saints'   rest.  79 

continued  peace  !  O  healthful  place,  where  none  are 
sick  !  O  fortunate  land,  where  all  are  kingfs  !  O  holy 
assembly,  where  all  are  priests  !  How  free  a  state, 
where  none  are  servants  but  to  their  supreme  Mon- 
arch !  The  poor  man  shall  no  more  be  tired  with 
his  labors  :  no  more  hunger  or  thirst,  cold  or  naked- 
ness :  no  pinching  frosts  or  scorching  heats.  Our 
faces  shall  no  more  be  pale  or  sad  ;  no  more  breaches 
in  friendship,  nor  parting  of  friends  asunder;  no 
more  trouble  accompanying  our  relations,  nor  voice 
of  lamentation  heard  in  our  dwellings :  God  shall 
wipe  away  all  tears  from  our  eyes.  O  my  soul,  bear 
with  the  infirmities  of  thine  earthly  tabernacle ;  it 
will  be  thus  but  a  little  while ;  the  sound  of  thy  Re- 
deemer's feet  is  even  at  the  door.  We  shall  also 
rest  from  all  the  toils  of  duties.  The  conscientious 
magistrate,  parent,  and  minister  cries  out,  "  O  the 
burden  that  lieth  upon  me  !"  Every  relation,  state, 
age,  hath  variety  of  duties ;  so  that  every  conscien- 
tious Christian  cries  out,  "  O  the  burden  !  O  my 
weakness,  that  makes  it  burdensome  !"  But  our  re- 
maining rest  will  ease  us  of  the  burdens.  Once 
more  we  shall  rest  from  all  these  troublesome  afflic- 
tions which  necessarily  accompany  our  absence  from 
God.  The  trouble  that  is  mixed  in  our  des'jes  and 
hopes,  our  longings  and  waitings,  shall  then  cease. 
We  shall  no  more  look  into  our  cabinet  and  iiiss 
our  treasure  ;  into  our  hearts,  and  miss  our  Christ ; 
no  more  seek  him  from  ordinance  to  ordinance ;  but 


so  THE    EXCELLENCIES    OF 

all  be  concluded  in  a  most  blessed  and  full  enjoy- 
ment. 

9.  The  last  jewel  of  our  croAvn  is,  that  it  will  be  an 
everlasting  rest.  Without  this  all  were  compara- 
tively nothing.  The  very  thought  of  leaving  it 
would  embitter  all  our  joys.  It  would  be  a  hell  in 
heaven,  to  think  of  once  losing  heaven ;  as  it  would 
be  a  kind  of  heaven  to  the  damned,  had  they  but 
hopes  of  once  escaping.  Mortality  is  the  disgrace 
of  all  sublunary  delights.  How  it  spoils  our  plea- 
sure to  see  it  dying  in  our  hands !  But,  O  blessed 
eterni-ty  !  where  ur  lives  are  perplexed  with  no  such 
thoughts,  nor  our  joys  interrupted  with  any  such 
fears  !  where  "  we  shall  be  pillars  in  the  temple  oi 
God,  and  go  no  more  out."  While  we  were  ser- 
vants, we  held  by  lease,  and  that  but  for  the  term  or 
a  transitory  life ;  "  but  the  sun  abideth  in  the  house 
for  ever."  "  O  my  soul,  let  go  thy  dreams  of  present 
pleasures,  and  loose  thy  hold  of  earth  and  flesh. 
Study  frequently,  study  thoroughly  this  one  word — 
Eternity.  What !  Live,  and  never  die  !  Rejoice,  and 
ever  rejoice!"  O  happy  souls  in  hell,  should  you 
but  escape  after  millions  of  ages  !  O  miserable  saints 
in  heaven,  should  you  be  dispossessed  after  the  age 
of  a  million  of  worlds  !  This  word,  Everlasting,  con- 
tains the  perfection  of  their  torment  and  our  glory. 
O  that  the  sinner  would  study  this  word ;  methinks 
it  would  startle  him  out  of  his  dead  sleep  !  O  that 
the  gracious  soul  would  study  it ;  methinks  it  would 


81 


revive  him  in  his  deepest  agony!  "And  must  I, 
Lord,  thus  live  for  ever  ?  Then  will  I  also  love  for 
ever.  Must  my  joys  be  immortal;  and  shall  not 
my  thanks  be  also  imm^ortal  ?  Surely,  if  I  shall 
never  lose  my  glory,  I  will  never  cease  thy  praises. 
If  thou  wilt  both  perfect  and  perpetuate  me  and  my 
glory,  as  I  shall  be  thine,  and  not  my  own,  so  shall 
my  glory  be  thy  glory.  And  as  thy  glory  was  thy 
ultimate  end  in  my  glory,  so  shall  it  also  be  my  end, 
when  thou  hast  crowned  me  with  that  glory  which 
hath  no  end.  '  Unto  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  in- 
visible, the  only  wise  God,  be  honor  and  glory,  for 
ever  and  ever.'  " 

Thus  I  have  endeavored  to  show  you  a  glimpse 
of  approaching  glory.  But  how  short  are  my  ex- 
pressions of  its  excellency !  Reader,  if  thou  be  an 
humble,  sincere  believer,  and  waitest  with  longing 
and  laboring  for  this  rest,  thou  wilt  shortly  see  and 
feel  the  truth  of  all  this.  Thou  Avilt  then  have  so 
high  an  apprehension  of  this  blessed  state,  as  will 
make  thee  pity  the  ignorance  and  distance  of  mor- 
tals, and  will  tell  thee,  all  that  is  here  said  falls  short 
of  the  whole  truth  a  thousand-fold.  In  the  mean 
time,  let  this  much  kindle  thy  desires,  and  quicken 
thy  endeavors.  Up  and  be  doing ;  run,  and  strive, 
and  fight,  and  hold  on :  for  thou  hast  a  certain,  glo- 
rious prize  before  thee.  God  will  not  mock  thee  ; 
do  not  mock  thyself,  nor  betray  thy  soul  by  delaying, 
and  all  is  thine  own.     What  kind  of  men,  dost  thou 


8^2        EXCELLENCIES    OF    THE    SAINTs'    REST. 

think,  would  Christians  be  in  their  lives  and  duties, 
if  they  had  still  this  glory  fresh  in  their  thoughts  ? 
what  frame  would  their  spirits  be  in,  if  their  thoughts 
of  heaven  were  lively  and  believing  ?  Would  their 
hearts  be  so  heavy  ?  their  countenances  be  so  sad  ? 
or  would  they  have  need  to  take  up  their  comforts 
from  below  ?  Would  they  be  so  loath  to  suffer  ;  so 
afraid  to  die  ?  or  would  they  not  think  every  day  a 
year  till  they  enjoy  it  ?  May  the  Lord  heal  our  car- 
nal hearts,  lest  we  enter  not  into  this  rest  because  of 
unbelief 


CHARACTER    OF    THOSE,    &c.  83 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THB  CHARACTER   OF  THE   PERSONS  FOR  WHOM  THIS  REST   [S 
DESIGNED. 

The  people  of  God  who  shall  enjoy  this  rest^  are^  1.  Chosen 
from  eternity ;  2.  Given  to  Christ ;  3.  Born  again ;  4.  Deeply 
convinced  of  the  evil  of  sin,  their  misery  by  sin,  the  vanity  of 
the  creature,  and  the  all-sufficiency  of  Christ.  5.  Their  will 
is  proportionably  changed.  6.  They  engage  in  covenant  with 
Christ.  7.  They  persevere  in  their  engagements.  The  reader 
invited  to  examine  himself  by  these  characteristics  of  God's 
people.  Further  testimony  from  Scripture,  that  this  rest  shall 
be  enjoyed  by  the  people  of  God  :  also  that  none  but  they  shall 
enjoy  it ;  and  that  it  remains  for  them,  and  is  not  to  be  en^ 
joyed  till  they  come  to  another  world.  The  chapter  concludes 
with  showing,  that  their  souls  shall  enjoy  this  rest  while  sepa- 
rated from  their  bodies. 

While  I  was  in  the  mount,  describing  the  excel- 
lencies of  the  saints'  rest,  I  felt  it  was  good  being 
there,  and  therefore  tarried  the  longer;  and  was 
there  not  an  extreme  disproportion  between  my  con- 
ceptions and  the  subject,  much  longer  had  I  been. 
Can  a  prospect  of  that  happy  land  be  tedious  ?  Hav- 
ing read  of  such  a  high  and  unspeakable  glory,  a 
stranger  would  wonder  for  what  rare  creatures  this 
mighty  preparation  should  be  made,  and  expect  some 
illustrious  sun  should  break  forth :  but,  behold  !  only 
a  shellful  of  dust,  animated  with  an  invisible  rational 
soul,  and  that  rectified  with  as  unseen  a  restoring 
power  of  grace ;  and  this  is  the  creature  that  must 


84  CHARACTER    OF    THOSE    FOR 

possess  such  glory  !  You  would  think  it  must  needs 
be  some  deserving  piece,  or  one  that  brings  a  valua- 
ble price :  but,  behold !  one  that  hath  nothing ;  and 
can  deserve  nothing  ;  yea,  that  deserves  the  contrary, 
and  would,  if  he  might,  proceed  in  that  deserving : 
but,  being  apprehended  by  love,  he  is  brought  to  him 
that  is  All ;  and  most  affectionately  receiving  him, 
and  resting  on  him,  he  doth,  in  and  through  him, 
receive  all  this  !  More  particularly,  the  persons  for 
whom  this  rest  is  designed,  are  chosen  of  God  from 
eternity ;  given  to  Christ  as  their  Redeemer ;  born 
again ;  deeply  convinced  of  the  evil  and  misery  of 
a  sinful  state,  the  vanity  of  the  creature,  and  the  all- 
sufhciency  of  Christ ;  their  will  is  renewed ;  they 
engage  themselves  to  Christ  in  covenant ;  and  they 
persevere  in  their  engagements  to  the  end. 

1,  The  persons  for  whom  this  rest  is  designed, 
whom  the  text  calls  "the  people  of  God,"  are  "cAo- 
sen  of  God  before  the  foundation  of  the  icorlcl,  that 
they  should  be  holy  and  without  blame  before  him 
in  love."  That  they  are  but  a  part  of  mankind,  is 
apparent  in  Scripture  and  experience.  They  are 
the  little  flock,  to  whom  "it  is  their  Father's  good 
pleasure  to  give  the  kingdom."  Fewer  they  are 
than  the  world  imagines ;  yet  not  so  few  as  some 
drooping  spirits  think,  who  are  suspicious  that  God 
is  unwilling  to  be  their  God,  when  they  know  them^ 
selves  willing  to  be  his  people. 

2.  These  persons  are  given  of  God  to  his  Son,  to 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED.  85 

be  by  him  redeemed  from  their  lost  state,  and  ad-' 
vanced  to  this  glory.  God  hath  given  all  things  to 
his  Son,  but  not  as  he  hath  given  his  chosen  to  him. 
•'  God  hath  given  him  power  over  all  flesh,  that  he 
should  give  eternal  life  to  as  many  as  the  Father 
hath  given  him.'*  The  difference  is  clearly  ex- 
pressed by  the  apostle  ;  "  he  hath  put  all  things  un- 
der his  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  the  head  over  all 
things  to  the  church."  And  though  Christ  is,  in 
some  sense,  a  ransom  for  all,  yet  not  in  that  special 
manner  as  for  his  people, 

3.  One  great  qualification  of  these  persons  is,  that 
they  are  horn  again.  To  be  the  people  of  God  with- 
out regeneration,  is  as  impossible  as  to  be  the  chil- 
dren of  men  without  generation.  Seeing  we  are  born 
God's  enemies,  we  must  be  new-born  his  sons,  or 
else  remain  enemies  still.  The  greatest  reformation 
of  life  that  can  be  attained  to,  without  this  new  life 
Avrought  in  the  soul,  may  procure  our  further  delu- 
sion, but  never  our  salvation. 

4.  This  new  life  in  the  people  of  God  discovers 
Itself  by  conviction,  or  a  deep  sense  of  divine  things. 

They  are  convinced  of  the  evil  of  sin.  The  sinner 
is  made  to  know  and  feel,  that  the  sin  which  was  his 
delight,  is  a  more  loathsome  thing  than  a  toad  or 
serpent,  and  a  greater  evil  than  plague  or  famine; 
being  a  breach  of  the  righteous  law  of  the  most  high 
God,  dishonorable  to  him,  and  destructive  to  the  sin- 
ner.   Now  \he  sinner  no  more  hears  the  reproofs  of 

s.    R.  8 


86  CIIARACTKU    OF    THOSE    I'OR 

sin  as  words  of  course ;  but  the  mention  of  his  sin 
speaks  to  his  very  heart,  and  yet  he  is  contented  you 
should  show  him  the  worst.  He  was  wont  to  marvel 
what  made  men  keep  up  such  a  stir  against  sin ;  what 
harm  it  was  for  a  man  to  take  a  little  forbidden  plea- 
sure ;  he  saw  no  such  heinousness  in  it,  that  Christ 
must  needs  die  for  it,  and  a  Christless  world  be  eter- 
nally tormented  in  hell.  Now  the  case  is  altered : 
God  hath  opened  his  eyes  to  see  the  inexpressible 
vileness  of  sin. 

They  are  convinced  of  their  own  misery  by 
reason  of  sin.  They  who  before  read  the  threats 
of  God's  law  as  men  do  the  story  of  foreign  wars, 
now  find  it  their  own  story,  and  perceive  they  read 
their  own  doom,  as  if  they  found  their  own  names 
written  in  the  curse,  or  heard  the  law  say,  as  Na- 
than, "Thou  art  the  man."  The  wrath  of  God 
seemed  to  him  before  but  as  a  storm  to  a  man  in  a 
dry  house,  or  as  the  pains  of  the  sick  to  the  health- 
ful stander-by ;  but  now  he  finds  the  disease  is  his 
own,  and  feels  himself  a  condemned  man,  that  he  is 
dead  and  damned  in  point  of  law,  and  that  nothing" 
was  wanting  but  mere  execution  to  make  him  ab- 
solutely and  irrecoverably  miserable.  This  is  a 
work  of  the  Spirit,  wrought  in  some  measure  in  all 
the  regenerate.  How  should  he  come  to  Christ 
for  pardon,  that  did  not  first  find  himself  guilty  and 
condemned  ?  or  for  life,  that  never  found  himself 
spiritually  dead  ?  "  The  whole  need  not  a  physician, 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED,  87 

but  they  that  are  sick."  The  discovery  of  the  re- 
me(ly  as  soon  as  the  misery,  must  needs  prevent  a 
great  part  of  the  trouble.  And  perhaps  the  joyful 
apprehensions  of  mercy  may  make  the  sense  of 
misery  sooner  forgotten. 

They  are  also  convinced  of  the  creature^ s  vanity 
and  insufficiency.  Every  man  is  naturally  an  idola- 
ter. Our  hearts  turned  from  God  in  our  first  fall ; 
and,  ever  since,  the  creature  hath  been  our  god. 
This  is  the  grand  sin  of  nature.  Every  unregene- 
rate  man  ascribes  to  the  creature  divine  prerogatives, 
and  allows  it  the  highest  room  in  his  soul ;  or,  if 
he  is  convinced  of  misery,  he  flies  to  it  as  his  savior. 
Indeed,  God  and  his  Christ  shall  be  called  Lord 
and  Savior ;  but  the  real  expectation  is  from  the 
creature,  and  the  work  of  God  is  laid  upon  it. 
Pleasure,  profit,  and  honor,  are  the  natural  man's 
trinity ;  and  his  carnal  self  is  these  in  unity.  It 
was  our  first  sin  to  aspire  to  be  as  gods ;  and  it  is 
the  greatest  sin  that  is  propagated  in  our  nature 
from  generation  to  generation.  When  God  should 
guide  us,  we  guide  ourselves ;  when  he  should  be 
our  Sovereign,  we  rule  ourselves :  the  laws  which 
he  gives  us,  we  find  fault  with,  and  would  correct ; 
and,  if  we  had  the  making  of  them,  we  would  have 
made  them  otherwise:  when  he  should  take  care 
of  us,  (and  must,  or  we  perish,)  we  will  take  care 
for  ourselves :  when  we  should  depend  on  him  in 
daily  receivings,  we  had  rather  have  our  portion  in 


88  CHARACTER    OF    THOSE    FOR 

our  own  hands :  when  we  should  submit  to  his 
providence,  we  usually  quarrel  at  it,  and  think  we 
could  make  a  better  disposal  than  God  hath  made. 
When  we  should  study  and  love,  trust  and  honor 
God,  we  study  and  love,  trust  and  honor  our  car- 
nal selves.  Instead  of  God,  we  would  have  all 
men's  eyes  and  dependence  on  us,  and  all  men's 
thanks  returned  to  us,  and  would  gladly  be  the 
only  men  on  earth  extolled  and  admired  by  all. 
Thus  we  are  naturally  our  own  idols.  But  down 
falls  this  Dagon  when  God  does  once  renew  the 
soul.  It  is  the  chief  design  of  that  great  work,  to 
bring  the  heart  back  to  God  himself  He  con- 
vinceth  the  sinner,  that  the  creature  can  neither  be 
his  God,  to  make  him  happy,  nor  his  Christ,  to  re- 
cover him  from  his  misery,  and  restore  him  to  God, 
who  is  his  happiness.  God  does  this  not  only  by 
his  word,  but  by  his  providence  also.  This  is 
the  reason  why  affliction  so  frequently  concurs  in 
the  work  of  conversion.  Arguments  which  speak 
to  the  quick  will  force  a  hearing,  when  the  most 
powerful  -words  are  slighted.  If  a  sinner  made 
credit  his  god,  and  God  shall  cast  him  into  the 
lowest  disgrace,  or  bring  him,  who  idolized  his 
riches,  into  a  condition  wherein  they  cannot  help 
him,  or  cause  them  to  take  wing  and  fly  away, 
what  a  help  is  here  to  this  work  of  conviction !  If 
a  man  made  pleasure  his  god,  whatsoever  a  roving 
eye,  a  curious  ear,  a  greedy  appetite,  or  a  lustful 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED.  89 

heart  could  desire,  and  Crod  should  take  these  from 
him,  or  turn  them  into  gall  or  wormwood,  what  a 
help  is  here  to  conviction !  When  God  shall  cast 
a  man  into  languishing  sickness,  and  inflict  wounds 
on  his  heart,  and  stir  up  against  him  his  own  con- 
science, and  then,  as  it  were,  say  to  him,  "  Try  if 
your  credit,  riches,  or  pleasures,  can  help  you.  Can 
they  heal  your  wounded  conscience?  Can  they 
now  support  your  tottering  tabernacle  ?  Can  they 
keep  your  departing  soul  in  your  body  ?  or  save 
you  from  my  everlasting  wrath?  or  redeem  your 
soul  from  eternal  flames  ?  Cry  aloud  to  them,  and 
see  now  w^hether  these  will  be  to  you  instead  of 
God  and  Christ."  O  how  this  works  now  with 
the  sinner  !  Sense  acknowledges  the  truth,  and 
even  the  flesh  is  convinced  of  the  creature's  vanity, 
and  our  very  deceiver  is  undeceived. 

The  people  of  God  are  likewise  convinced  of 
the  absolute  necessity,  the  full  sufficiency,  and  per- 
fect excellency  of  Jesus  Christ :  as  a  man  in  famine 
is  convinced  of  the  necessity  of  food ;  or  a  man 
that  had  heard  or  read  his  sentence  of  condemna- 
tion, of  the  absolute  necessity  of  pardon ;  or  a  man 
that  lies  in  prison  for  debt  is  convinced  of  his  need 
of  a  surety  to  discharge  it.  Now  the  sinner  feels 
an  unsupportable  burden  upon  him,  and  sees  there 
is  none  but  Christ  can  take  it  off':  he  perceives  the 
law  proclaims  him  a  rebel,  and  none  but  Christ  can 
make  his  peace :  he  is  as  a  man  pursued  by  a  lion, 

s.  R.  8* 


90  CHARACTER    OF    THOSE    FOR 

that  must  perish  if  he  finds  not  a  present  sanctuary : 
he  is  now  brought  to  this  dilemma ;  either  he  must 
have  Christ  to  justify  him,  or  be  eternally  con- 
demned ;  have  Christ  to  save  him,  or  burn  in  hell 
for  ever ;  have  Christ  to  bring  him  to  God,  or  be 
shut  out  of  his  presence  everlastingly!  And  no 
wonder  if  he  cry  as  the  martyr,  "  None  but  Christ ! 
none  but  Christ!"  Not  gold,  but  bread,  will  satisfy 
the  hungry  ;  nor  any  thing  but  pardon  will  comfort 
the  condemned. 

All  things  are  counted  but  dung  now,  that  he 
may  win  Christ;  and  what  was  gain,  he  counts 
loss  for  Christ.  As  the  sinner  sees  his  misery,  and 
the  inability  of  himself  and  all  things  to  relieve 
him,  so  he  perceives  there  is  no  saving  mercy  out 
of  Christ.  He  sees,  though  the  creature  cannot, 
and  himself  cannot,  yet  Christ  can.  Though  the 
fig-leaves  of  our  own  unrighteous  righteousness  are 
too  short  to  cover  our  nakedness,  yet  the  righteous- 
ness of  Christ  is  large  enough :  ours  is  dispropor- 
tionate to  the  justice  of  the  law,  but  Christ's  extends 
to  every  tittle.  If  he  intercede,  there  is  no  denial ; 
such  is  the  dignity  of  his  person  and  the  value  of 
his  merits,  that  the  Father  grants  all  he  desires. 
Before,  the  sinner  knew  Christ's  excellency  as  a 
blind  man  knows  the  light  of  the  sun ;  but  now,  as 
one  that  beholds  its  glory. 

5.  After  this  deep  conviction,  the  loill  discovers 
also  its  change.    As,  for  instance,  the  sin  which  the 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED.  91 

understanding  pronounces  evil,  the  will  turns  from 
with  abhorrence.  Not  that  the  sensitive  appetite  is 
changed,  or  any  way  made  to  abhor  its  object ;  but 
when  it  would  prevail  against  reason,  and  carry 
us  to  sin  against  God,  instead  of  Scripture  being 
the  rule,  and  reason  the  master,  and  sense  the  ser- 
vant, this  disorder  and  evil  the  will  abhors.  The 
misery  also,  which  sin  hath  procured,  is  not  only 
discerned,  but  bewailed.  It  is  impossible  that  the 
soul  should  now  look,  either  on  its  trespass  against 
God,  or  yet  on  its  own  self-procured  calamity,  with- 
out some  contrition.  He  that  truly  discerns  that 
he  hath  killed  Christ,  and  killed  himself,  will  surely 
in  some  measure  be  pricked  to  the  heart.  If  he 
cannot  weep,  he  can  heartily  groan ;  and  his  heart 
feels  what  his  understanding  sees.  The  creature 
is  renounced  as  vanity,  and  turned  out  of  the  heart 
with  disdain.  Not  that  it  is  undervalued,  or  the 
use  of  it  declaimed ;  but  its  idolatrous  abuse,  and 
its  unjust  usurpation.  Can  Christ  be  the  way, 
where  the  creature  is  the  end  ?  Can  we  seek  Christ 
to  reconcile  us  to  God,  while  in  our  hearts  we  pre- 
fer the  creature  before  him  1  In  the  soul  of  every 
unregenerate  man,  the  creature  is  both  God  and 
Christ.  As  turning  from  the  creature  to  God,  and 
not  by  Christ,  is  no  true  turning ;  so  believing  in 
Christ,  while  the  creature  hath  our  hearts,  is  no 
true  believing.  Our  aversion  from  sin,  renouncing 
our  idols,  and  our  right  receiving  Christ,  is  all  but 


92  '  CHARACTER    OF    THOSE    FOR 

one  work,  which  God  ever  perfects  where  he  be- 
gins. At  the  same  time,  the  will  cleaves  to  God 
the  Father,  and  to  Christ.  Having  been  convinced 
that  nothing  else  can  be  his  happiness,  the  sinner 
now  finds  it  is  in  God.  Convinced  also  that  Christ 
alone  is  able  and  willing  to  make  peace  for  him, 
he  most  affectionately  accepts  of  Christ  for  Savior 
and  Lord.  Paul's  preaching  was  "  repentance  to- 
ward God,  and  faith  toward  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 
And  life  eternal  consists,  first  in  "  knowing  the  only 
true  God;  and"  then  "Jesus  Christ,  whom  he 
hath  sent."  To  take  the  Lord  fOr  our  God  is  the 
natural  part  of  the  covenant ;  the  supernatural  part 
is,  to  take  Christ  for  our  Redeemer.  The  former 
is  first  necessary,  and  implied  in  the  latter.  To 
accept  Christ  without  affection  and  love,  is  not 
justifying  faith:  nor  does  love  follow  as  a  fruit, 
but  immediately  concurs ;  for  faith  is  the  receiving 
of  Christ  Avith  the  whole  soul.  "  He  that  loveth 
father  or  mother  more  than  Christ,  is  not  worthy  of 
him,"  nor  is  justified  by  him.  Faith  accepts  him 
for  Savior  and  Lord :  for  in  both  relations  will  he 
be  received,  or  not  at  all.  Faith  not  only  acknow- 
ledges his  sufferings,  and  accepts  of  pardon  and 
glory,  but  acknowledges  his  sovereignty,  and  sub- 
mits to  his  government  and  way  of  salvation. 

6.  As  an  essential  part  of  the  character  of  God's 
people,  they  now  enter  into  a  cordial  covciiant  icith 
Christ.     The  sinner  was  never  strictly,  nor  com- 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED.  93 

fortably,  in  covenant  with  Christ  till  now.  He  is 
sure,  by  the  free  offers,  that  Christ  consents ;  and 
now  he  cordially  consents  himself;  and  so  the 
agreement  is  fully  made.  With  this  covenant 
Christ  delivers  up  himself  in  all  comfortable  rela- 
tions to  the  sinner ;  and  the  sinner  delivers  up  him- 
self to  be  saved  and  ruled  by  Christ.  Now  the 
soul  resolutely  concludes,  "  I  have  been  blindly  led 
by  flesh  and  lust,  by  the  world  and  the  devil,  too 
long,  almost  to  my  utter  destruction ;  I  will  now 
be  wholly  at  the  disposal  of  my  Lord,  who  hath 
bought  me  with  his  blood,  and  will  bring  me  to 
his  glory." 

7.  I  add,  that  the  people  of  God  persevere  in 
this  covenant  to  the  end.  Though  the  believer  may 
be  tempted,  yet  he  never  disclaims  his  Lord,  re- 
nounces his  allegiance,  nor  repents  of  his  covenant ; 
nor  can  he  properly  be  said  to  break  that  covenant, 
while  that  faith  continues  which  is  the  condition 
of  it.  Indeed,  those  that  have  verbally  covenanted, 
and  not  cordially,  may  "  tread  under  foot  the  blood 
of  the  covenant,  as  an  unholy  thing,  wherewith 
they  were  sanctified,"  by  separation  from  those 
without  the  church  ;  but  the  elect  cannot  be  so  de- 
ceived. Though  this  perseverance  be  certain  to 
true  believers,  yet  it  is  made  a  condition  of  their 
salvation ;  yea,  of  their  continued  life  and  fruitful- 
ness,  and  of  the  continuance  of  their  justification, 
though  not  of  their  first  justification  itself     But 


94  CIIARACTEPv    OF    THOSE    FOR 

eternally  blessed  be  that  hand  of  love  which  hath 
drawn  the  free  promise,  and  subscribed  and  sealed 
to  that  which  ascertains  us  both  of  the  grace  which 
is  the  condition,  and  the  kingdom  which  on  that 
condition  is  offered  ! 

Such  are  the  essentials  of  this  people  of  God. 
Not  a  full  portraiture  of  them  in  all  their  excellen- 
cies, nor  all  the  notes  whereby  they  may  be  dis- 
cerned. I  beseech  thee,  reader,  as  thou  hast  the 
hope  of  a  Christian,  or  the  reason  of  a  man,  judge 
thyself  as  one  that  must  shortly  be  judged  by  a  righ- 
teous God,  and  faithfully  answer  these  questions. 
I  will  not  inquire  whether  you  remember  the  time 
or  the  order  of  these  workings  of  the  Spirit ;  there 
may  be  much  uncertainty  and  mistake  in  that.  If 
you  are  sure  they  are  wrought  in  you,  the  matter 
is  not  so  great,  though  you  know  not  when  or  how 
you  came  by  them.  But  carefully  examine  and  in- 
quire. Hast  tiiou  been  thoroughly  convinced  of  a 
prevailing  depravation  through  thy  whole  soul  ? 
and  a  prevailing  wickedness  through  thy  whole 
life  ?  and  how  vile  sin  is  ?  and  that  by  the  covenant 
thou  hast  transgressed,  the  least  sin  deserves  eter- 
nal death?  Dost  thou  consent  to  the  law,  that  it  is 
true  and  righteous,  and  perceive  thyself  sentenced 
to  this  death  by  it  ?  Hast  thou  seen  the  utter  insuf- 
ficiency of  every  creature,  either  to  be  itself  thy  hap- 
piness, or  the  means  of  removing  this  thy  misery  ? 
Hast  thou  been  convinced  that    thy  happiness  is 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED.  95 

only  in  God,  as  the  end,  and  in  Christ,  as  the  way 
to  him;  and  that  thou  must  be  brought  to  God 
through  Christ,  or  perish  eternally?  Hast  thou 
seen  an  absolute  necessity  of  thy  enjoying  Christ, 
and  the  full  sufficiency  in  him,  to  do  for  thee  what- 
soever thy  case  requires  ?  Hast  thou  discovered  the 
excellency  of  this  pearl  to  be  worth  thy  "  selling  all 
to  buy  it  ?"  Have  thy  convictions  been  like  those  of 
a  man  that  thirsts ;  and  not  merely  a  change  in  opi- 
nion, produced  by  reading  or  education  ?  Have  both 
thy  sin  and  misery  been  the  abhorrence  and  burden 
of  thy  soul  ?  If  thou  couldst  not  weep,  yet  couldst 
thou  heartily  groan  under  the  insupportable  weight 
of  both  ?  Hast  thou  renounced  all  thy  own  righteous- 
ness ?  Hast  thou  turned  thy  idols  out  of  thy  heart, 
so  that  the  creature  hath  no  more  the  sovereignty, 
but  is  now  a  servant  to  God  and  Christ  ?  Dost  thou 
accept  of  Christ  as  thy  only  Savior,  and  expect  thy 
justification,  recovery  and  glory  from  him  alone  ? 
Are  his  laws  the  most  pow^erful  commanders  of  thy 
life  and  soul  ?  Do  they  ordinarily  prevail  againsi 
the  commands  of  the  flesh,  and  against  the  great- 
est interest  of  thy  credit,  profit,  pleasure,  or  life? 
Has  Christ  the  highest  room  in  thy  heart  and  affec- 
tions, so  that,  though  thou  canst  not  love  him  as 
thou  wouldst,  yet  nothing  else  is  loved  so  much  ? 
Hast  thou,  to  this  end,  made  a  hearty  covenant  with 
liim,  and  delivered  up  thyself  to  him  ?  Is  it  thy  ut- 
most care  and  wacthful  endeavor  that  thou  mayest 


96  CHARACTKR    OF     THOSE    FOR 

be  found  faithful  in  this  covenant ;  and  though  thou 
fall  into  sin,  yet  wouldst  not  renounce  thy  bargain, 
nor  change  thy  Lord,  nor  give  up  thyself  to  any 
other  government,  for  all  the  world  ?  If  this  be  tru- 
ly thy  case,  thou  art  one  of  the  people  of  God  in  my 
text ;  and  as  sure  as  the  promise  of  God  is  true,  this 
blessed  rest  remains  for  thee.  Only  see  thou  "  abide 
in  Christ,"  and  "endure  to  the  end;"  for  "if  any 
man  draw  back,  his  soul  shall  have  no  pleasure  in 
him  "  But  if  no  such  work  be  found  within  thee, 
whatever  thy  deceived  heart  may  think,  or  how 
strong  soever  thy  false  hopes  may  be,  thou  wilt  find 
to  thy  cost,  except  thorough  conversion  prevent  it, 
that  the  rest  of  the  saints  belongs  not  to  thee.  "  O 
that  thou  wert  wise,  that  thou  wouldst  understand 
this,  that  thou  wouldst  consider  thy  latter  end  !"  that 
yet,  while  thy  soul  is  in  thy  body,  and  "  a  price  in 
thy  hand,"  and  opportunity  and  hope  before  thee, 
thine  ears  may  be  open,  and  thy  heart  yield  to  the 
persuasions  of  God,  that  so  thou  mightest  rest  among 
his  people,  and  enjoy  "  the  inheritance  of  the  saints 
in  light !" 

That  this  rest  shall  be  enjoyed  by  the  people  of 
God,  is  a  truth  which  the  Scripture,  if  its  testimony 
be  further  needed,  clearly  asserts  in  a  variety  of 
w^ays ;  as,  for  instance,  that  they  are  "  fore-ordained 
to  it,  and  it  for  them.  God  is  not  ashamed  to  be 
called  their  God,  for  he  hath  prepared  for  them  a 
city."  They  are  styled  "  vessels  of  mercy,  afore  pre- 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED.  97 

pared  unto  glory."  "  In  Christ  they  have  obtained 
an  inheritance,  being  predestinated  according  to  the 
purpose  of  Him  who  worketh  all  things  after  the 
counsel  of  his  own  will."  And  "  whom  he  did  pre- 
destinate, them  he  also  glorified."  Who  can  bereave 
his  people  of  that  rest  which  is  designed  for  them 
by  God's  eternal  purpose  ?  Scripture  tells  us,  they 
are  "  redeemed  to  this  rest.  By  the  blood  of  Jesus, 
we  have  boldness  to  enter  into  the  holiest ;"  whe- 
ther that  entrance  means  by  faith  and  prayer  here, 
or  by  full  possession  hereafter.  Therefore  the  saints 
in  heaven  sing  a  new  song  unto  Him  who  has  "  re- 
deemed them  to  God  by  his  blood,  out  of  every  kin- 
dred, and  tongue,  and  people,  and  nation,  and  made 
them  kings  and  priests  unto  God."  Either  Christ, 
then,  must  lose  his  blood  and  sufferings,  and  never 
"see  of  the  travail  of  his  soul,"  or  else  "there  re- 
maineth  a  rest  to  the  people  of  God."  In  Scripture 
this  rest  is  promised  to  them.  As  the  firmament 
with  stars,  so  are  the  sacred  pages  bespangled  with 
these  divine  engagements.  Christ  says,  "  Fear  not, 
little  flock,  for  it  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to 
give  you  the  kingdom."  "  I  appoint  unto  you  a 
kingdom,  as  my  Father  hath  appointed  unto  me ; 
that  ye  may  eat  and  drink  at  my  table  in  my  king- 
dom." All  the  means  of  grace,  the  operations  of 
the  Spirit  upon  the  soul,  and  gracious  actings  of  the 
saints,  every  command  to  repent  and  believe,  to  fast 
and  pray,  to  knock  and  seek,  to  strive  and  labor,  to 
s.    R.  9 


93  CHARACTER    OF    THOSE    FOR 

run  and  fight,  prove  that  there  remains  a  rest  for  the 
people  of  God.  The  Spirit  would  never  kindle  in 
us  such  strong  desires  after  heaven,  such  love  to  Je- 
sus Christ,  if  we  should  not  receive  what  we  desire 
and  love.  He  that  "  guides  our  feet  into  the  way 
of  peace,"  will  undoubtedly  bring  us  to  the  end  of 
peace.  How  nearly  are  the  means  and  end  con- 
joined !  "  The  kingdom  of  heaven  sufTereth  vio- 
lence, and  the  violent  take  it  by  force."  They  that 
"  follow  Christ  in  the  regeneration,  shall  sit  upon 
thrones  of  glory."  Scripture  assures  us,  that  the 
saints  have  the  "  beginnings,  foretastes,  earnests,  and 
seals  "  of  this  rest  here.  "  The  kingdom  of  God  is 
within  them."  "  Though  they  have  not  seen  Christ, 
yet  loving  him,  and  believing  in  him,  they  rejoice 
with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory ;  receiving 
the  end  of  their  faith,  even  the  salvation  of  their 
souls."  They  "  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of 
God."  And  does  God  "  seal  them  Avith  that  Holy 
Spirit  of  promise,  w^hich  is  the  earnest  of  their  inlie- 
rifance,"  and  will  he  deny  the  full  possession  ?  The 
Scripture  also  mentions,  by  name,  those  who  have 
entered  into  this  rest;  as  Enoch,  Abraham,  Lazarus, 
and  the  thief  that  was  crucified  with  Christ.  And  if 
there  be  a  rest  for  these,  surely  there  is  a  rest  for  all 
believers.  But  it  is  in  vam  to  heap  up  Scripture 
proofs,  seeing  it  is  the  very  end  of  Scripture  to  be  a 
guide  to  lead  us  to  this  blessed  state,  and  to  be  the 
charter  and  grant  by  which  we  hold  all  our  title 
to  it. 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED.  99 

Scripture  not  only  proves  that  this  rest  remains 
for  the  people  of  God,  but  also  that  it  remains  for 
none  hut  them ;  so  that  the  rest  of  the  world  shall 
have  no  part  in  it.  "  Without  holiness  no  man  shall 
see  the  Lord.  Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  can- 
not see  the  kingdom  of  God.  He  that  believeth  not 
the  Son,  shall  not  see  life,  but  the  wrath  of  God  abid- 
eth  on  him.  No  whoremonger,  nor  unclean  person, 
nor  covetous  man,  who  is  an  idolater,  hath  any  in- 
heritance in  the  kino^dom  of  Christ  and  of  God.  The 
wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  and  all  the  nations 
that  forget  God.  They  all  shall  be  damned,  w^ho 
believe  not  the  truth,  but  have  pleasure  in  unright- 
eousness. The  Lord  Jesus  shall  come  in  flaming 
fire,  taking  vengeance  on  them  that  know  not  God, 
and  that  obey  not  the  Gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ;  who  shall  be  punished  with  everlasting 
destruction  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and 
from  the  glory  of  his  power."  Had  the  ungodly 
returned  before  their  life  was  expired,  and  been 
heartily  willing  to  accept  of  Christ  for  their 
Savior  and  their  King,  and  to  be  saved  by  him 
in  his  way,  and  upon  his  most  reasonable  terms, 
they  might  have  been  saved.  God  freely  offered 
them  life,  and  they  would  not  accept  it.  The  plea- 
sures of  the  flesh  seemed  more  desirable  to  them 
than  the  glory  of  the  saints.  Satan  offered  them  the 
one,  and  God  offered  them  the  other ;  and  they  had 
free  liberty  to  choose  which  they  would,  and  they 


100  CHARACTER    OF    THOSE    FOR 

chose  "  the  pleasures  of  sin  for  a  season,"  before  the 
everlasting  rest  with  Christ.  And  is  it  not  a  right- 
eous thing  that  they  should  be  denied  that  which 
they  would  not  accept  ?  When  God  pressed  them 
so  earnestly,  and  persuaded  them  so  importunately, 
to  come  in,  and  yet  they  would  not,  where  should 
they  be  but  among  the  dogs  without  ?  Though  man 
be  so  wicked  that  he  will  not  yield  till  the  mighty 
pOAver  of  grace  prevail  with  him,  yet  still  we  may 
truly  say  that  he  may  be  saved,  if  he  will,  on  God's 
terms.  His  inability  being  moral,  and  lying  in  will  ■ 
ful  Avickedness,  is  no  more  excuse  to  him,  than  it  is 
to  an  adulterer  that  he  cannot  love  his  own  wife,  or 
to  a  malicious  person  that  he  cannot  but  hate  his  own 
brother :  is  he  not  so  much  the  worse,  and  deserving 
of  so  r.iuch  the  sorer  punishment  ?  Sinners  shall  lay 
all  the  blame  on  their  own  wills  in  hell  for  ever. 
Hell  is  a  rational  torment  by  conscience,  according 
to  the  nature  of  the  rational  subject.  If  sinners 
could  but  then  say,  It  was  God's  fault,  and  not  ours, 
it  would  quiet  their  consciences  and  ease  their  tor- 
ments, and  make  hell,  to  them,  to  be  no  hell.  But 
to  remember  their  willfulness,  will  feed  the  fire,  and 
cause  the  worm  of  conscience  "never  to  die." 

It  is  the  will  of  God  that  this  rest  should  yet  re- 
main for  his  people,  and  not  he  enjoyed  till  they 
come  to  another  world.  Who  should  dispose  of  the 
creatures, but  he  that  made  them?  You  may  as  well 
ask  why  have  we  not  spring  and  harvest  without 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED.  101 

winter?  or,  why  is  the  earth  below  and  the  heavens 
above  ?  as,  why  we  have  not  rest  on  earth  ?  All 
things  must  come  to  their  perfection  by  degrees. 
The  strongest  man  must  first  be  a  child.  The  great- 
est scholar  must  first  begin  with  the  alphabet.  The 
tallest  oak  was  once  an  acorn.  This  life  is  our  in- 
fancy: and  would  we  be  perfect  in  the  w^omb,  or 
born  at  full  stature?  If  our  rest  was  here,  most  of 
God's  providences  must  be  useless.  Should  God 
lose  the  glory  of  his  church's  miraculous  deliveran- 
ces, and  the  fall  of  his  enemies,  that  men  may  have 
their  happiness  here  ?  If  we  were  all  happy,  inno- 
cent, and  perfect,  what  use  was  there  for  the  glorious 
works  of  our  sanctification,  justification,  and  future 
salvation? — If  we  wanted  nothing,  we  should  not 
depend  on  God  so  closely,  nor  call  upon  him  so  ear- 
nestly. How  little  would  he  hear  from  us,  if  we  had 
what  we  would  have !  God  would  never  have  had 
such  songs  af  praise  from  Moses  at  the  Red  Sea 
and  in  the  wilderness,  from  Deborah  and  Hannah, 
from  David  and  Hezekiah,  if  they  had  been  the 
choosers  of  their  own  condition.  Have  not  thy  own 
highest  praises  to  God,  reader,  been  occasioned  by 
thy  dangers  or  miseries  ?  The  greatest  glory  and 
praise  God  has  through  the  world,  is  for  redemp- 
tion, reconciliation,  and  salvation  by  Christ;  and 
was  not  man's  misery  the  occasion  of  that  ? — And 
where  God  loses  the  opportunity  of  exercising  his 
mercies,  man  must  needs  lose  the  happiness  of  en- 
s.  R.  9* 


102  CHARACTER    OF    THOSE    FOR 

joying  them.  Where  God  loses  his  praise,  man  will 
certainly  lose  his  comforts.  O  the  sweet  comforts 
the  saints  have  had  in  return  for  their  prayers ! 
How  should  we  know  what  a  tender-hearted  Father 
we  have,  if  we  had  not,  as  the  prodigal,  heen  denied 
the  husks  of  earthly  pleasure  and  profit  ?  We  should 
never  have  felt  Christ's  tender  heart,  if  we  had  not 
felt  ourselves  "  weary  and  heavy  laden,  hungry  and 
thirsty,  poor  and  contrite."  It  is  a  delight  to  a  sol- 
dier, or  traveler,  to  look  back  on  his  escapes  when 
they  are  over ;  and  for  a  saint  in  heaven,  to  look 
back  on  his  sins  and  sorrows  upon  earth ;  his  fears 
and  tears,  his  enemies  and  dangers,  his  wants  and 
calamities  must  make  his  joy  more  joyful.  There- 
fore the  blessed,  in  praising  the  Lamb,  mention  his 
"  redeeming  them  out  of  every  nation,  and  kindred, 
and  tongue  ;"  and  so  out  of  their  misery,  and  wants, 
and  sins,  '*  and  making  them  kings  and  priests  to 
God."  But  if  they  had  had  nothing  but  content  and 
rest  on  earth,  w4iat  room  would  there  have  been  for 
these  rejoicings  hereafter  ? 

Besides,  we  are  not  capable  of  rest  upon  earth. — 
Can  a  soul  that  is  so  weak  in  grace,  so  prone  to  sin, 
so  nearly  joined  to  such  a  neighbor  as  this  flesh, 
have  full  content  and  rest  in  such  a  case?  What  is 
soul-rest,  but  our  freedom  from  sin,  and  imperfec- 
tions, and  enemies  ?  And  can  the  soul  have  rest  that 
is  molested  with  all  these,  and  that  continually? 
Why  do  Christians  so  often  cry  out,  in  the  language 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED.  103 

of  Paul,  "  O  wretched  man  that  I  am !  who  shall 
deliver  me  ?"  What  makes  them  "  press  toward  the 
mark,  and  run  that  they  may  obtain,  and  strive  to 
enter  in,"  if  they  are  capable  of  rest  in  their  present 
condition  ? — And  our  bodies  are  incapable  as  well 
as  our  souls.  They  are  not  now  those  sun-like  bo- 
dies which  they  shall  be,  when  this  "  corruptible 
hath  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  hath  put 
on  immortality."  They  are  our  prisons  and  our  bur- 
dens ;  so  full  of  infirmities  and  defects,  that  we  are 
fain  to  spend  most  of  our  time  in  repairing  them  and 
supplying  their  continual  wants.  Is  it  possible  that 
an  immortal  soul  should  have  rest  in  such  a  distem- 
pered habitation  1  Surely  these  sickly,  weary,  loath- 
some bodies  must  be  refined,  before  they  can  be 
capable  of  enjoying  rest.  The  objects  which  we 
here  enjoy  are  insufficient  to  afford  us  rest.  Alas  ! 
what  is  there  in  all  the  world  to  give  us  rest?  They 
that  have  most  of  it  have  the  greatest  burden.  They 
that  set  most  by  it,  and  rejoice  most  in  it,  do  all  cry 
out  at  last  of  its  vanity  and  vexation.  Men  promise 
themselves  a  heaven  upon  earth;  but  when  they 
come  to  enjoy  it,  it  flies  from  them.  He  that  has 
any  regard  to  the  works  of  the  Lord,  may  easily  see 
that  the  very  end  of  them  is  to  take  down  our  idols, 
to  make  us  weary  of  the  world,  and  seek  our  rest 
in  him.  Where  does  he  cross  us  most,  but  where 
we  promise  ourselves  most  content  ?  If  you  have  a 
child  you  dote  upon,  it  becomes  vour  sorrow.     If 


104  CHARACTER    OF    THOSE    FOR 

you  have  a  friend  you  trust  in,  and  judge  unchange- 
able, he  becomes  your  scourge.  Is  this  a  place  or 
state  of  rest  ?  And  as  the  objects  we  here  enjoy  are 
insufficient  for  our  rest,  so  God,  Avho  is  sufficient,  is 
here  little  enjoyed.  It  is  not  here  that  he  hath  pre- 
pared the  presence-chamber  of  his  glory.  He  hath 
drawn  the  curtain  between  us  and  him.  We  are 
far  from  him  as  creatures,  and  farther  as  frail  mor- 
tals, and  farthest  as  sinners.  We  hear  now  and 
then  a  word  of  comfort  from  him,  and  receive  his 
love-tokens  to  keep  up  our  hearts  and  hopes ;  but 
this  is  not  our  full  enjoyment.  And  can  any  soul, 
that  hath  made  God  his  portion,  as  every  one  hath 
that  shall  be  saved  by  him,  find  rest  in  so  vast  a  dis- 
tance from  him,  and  so  seldom  and  small  enjoyment 
of  him? 

Nor  are  we  now  capable  of  rest,  as  there  is  a 
worthiness  must  go  before  it.  Are  we  fit  for  the 
crown  before  Ave  have  overcome?  or  for  the  prize 
before  we  have  run  the  race  ?  or  to  receive  our  pen- 
ny before  we  have  wrought  in  the  vineyard  ?  or  to 
be  rulers  of  ten  cities  before  we  have  improved  our 
ten  talents  ?  or  to  enter  into  the  joy  of  our  Lord  be- 
fore we  have  well  done  as  good  and  faithful  ser- 
vants^ God  will  not  alter  the  course  of  justice,  to 
give  you  rest  before  you  have  labored  for  the  crown 
of  glory,  till  you  have  overcome.  There  is  reason 
enough  why  our  rest  should  remain  till  the  life  to 
come.   Take  heed,  then,  Christian  reader,  how  thou 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED.  105 

darest  to  contrive  and  care  for  a  rest  on  earth ;  or  to 
murmur  at  God  for  thy  trouble,  and  toil,  and  wants 
in  the  flesh.     Doth  thy  poverty  weary  thee?    thy 
sickness,  thy   bitter  enemies  and  unkind  friends  ? 
It  should  be  so  here.     Do  the  abominations  of  the 
times,  the  sins  of  professors,  the  hardening  of  the 
wicked,  all  weary  thee  ?     It  must  be  so  while  thou 
art   absent   from  thy  rest.     Do  thy  sins   and  thy 
naughty  distempered  heart  weary  thee?   Be  thus 
wearied  more  and  more.    But,  under  all  this  weari- 
ness, art  thou  willing  to  go  to  God,  thy  rest ;  and  to 
have  thy  warfare  accomplished,  and  thy  race  and 
labor  ended  ?  If  not,  complain  more  of  thy  own  heart, 
and  get  it  more  weary,  till  rest  seem  more  desirable. 
I  have  but  one  thing  more  to  add,  for  the  close  of 
this  chapter — that  the  souls  of  believers  do  enjoy  in- 
conceivable blessedness  and  glor}?-,  even  while  they 
remain  separated  from  their  bodies.     What  can  be 
more  plain  than  those  words  of  Paul :  '*  We  are  al- 
ways confident,  knowing  that  whilst  we  are  at  home," 
or  rather  sojourning,  "  in  the  body,  we  are  absent 
from  the  Lord ;  for  we  walk  by  faith,  not  by  sight. 
We  are  confident,  I  say,  and  willing  rather  to  be 
absent  from  the  body,  and  to  be  present  with  the 
Lord."  Or  those :  "  I  am  in  a  strait  betwixt  two,  hav- 
ing a  desire  to  depart,  and  to  be  with  Christ,  which 
is  far  better."     If  Paul  had  not  expected  to  enjoy 
Christ  till  the  resurrection,  why  should  he  be  in  a 
strait,  or  desire  to  depart  ?  Nay,  should  he  not  have 


IQG  CHARACTER    OF    THOSE    FOR 

been  loth  to  depart  upon  the  very  same  grounds  ? 
for  while  he  was  in  the  flesh  he  enjoyed  something- 
of  Christ.  Plain  enough  is  that  of  Christ  to  the 
thief — "  To-day  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  paradise." 
In  the  parable  of  Dives  and  Lazarus,  it  seems  un- 
likely Christ  would  so  evidently  intimate  and  sup- 
pose the  soul's  happiness  or  misery  presently  after 
death,  if  there  were  no  such  matter.  Our  Lord's 
argument  for  the  resurrection  supposes,  that,  "  God 
being  not  the  God  of  the  dead,  but  of  the  living," 
therefore  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob  were  then  liv- 
ing in  the  soul.  If  the  "  blessedness  of  the  dead  that 
die  in  the  Lord  "  were  onlj?-  in  resting  in  the  grave, 
then  a  beast  or  a  stone  were  as  blessed ;  nay,  it  were 
evidently  a  curse,  and  not  a  blessing.  For  was  not 
life  a  great  mercy?  Was  it  not  a  greater  mercy  to 
serve  God  and  to  do  good  ;  to  enjoy  all  the  comforts 
of  life,  the  fellowship  of  saints,  the  comfort  of  ordi- 
nances, and  much  of  Christ  in  all,  than  to  lie  rot- 
ting in  the  grave  ?  Therefore  some  further  blessed- 
ness is  there  promised.  How  else  is  it  said,  "  We 
are  come  to  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect  ?" 
Surely,  at  the  resurrection,  the  body  will  be  made 
perfect  as  well  as  the  spirit.  The  Scriptures  tell  us, 
that  Enoch  and  Elias  are  taken  up  already.  And 
shall  we  think  they  possess  that  glory  alone  ?  Did 
not  Peter,  James,  and  John  see  Moses  also  with 
Christ  on  the  mount  ?  yet  the  Scripture  saith,  Moses 
died.     And  is  it  likely  that   Christ  deluded  their 


WHOM    THIS    REST    IS    DESIGNED.  107 

senses,  m  showing  them  Moses,  if  he  should  not 
partake  of  that  glory  till  the  resurrection  ?  And  is 
not  that  of  Stephen  as  plain  as  we  can  desire  ?  "  Lord 
Jesus,  receive  my  spirit."  Surely,  if  the  Lord  re- 
ceive it,  it  is  neither  asleep,  nor  dead,  nor  annihilat- 
ed ;  but  it  is  where  he  is,  and  beholds  his  glory. 
That  of  the  wise  man  is  of  the  same  import :  "  The 
spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who  gave  it."  Why 
are  we  said  to  "  have  eternal  life ;"  and  that  to  "  know 
God  is  life  eternal ;"  and  that  a  believer  "  on  the 
Son  hath  everlasting  life?"  Or  how  is  "the  king- 
dom of  God  within  us  ?"  If  there  be  as  great  an  in- 
terruption of  our  life  as  till  the  resurrection,  this  is 
no  eternal  life,  nor  everlasting  kingdom.  "  The 
cities  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  "  are  spoken  of  as 
suffering  the  vengeance  of  eternal  fire  !"  And  if  the 
wicked  already  suffer  eternal  fire,  then  no  doubt 
but  the  godly  enjoy  eternal  blessedness.  When 
John  saw  his  glorious  revelations,  he  is  said  to  be 
"in  the  Spirit,"  and  to  be  "carried  away  in  the  Spi- 
rit." And  when  Paul  was  "  caught  up  to  the  third 
heaven,"  he  knew  not  "whether  in  the  body  or  out 
of  the  body."  This  implies  that  spirits  are  capable 
of  these  glorious  thmg-s,  without  the  help  of  their 
bodies.  The  same  is  implied  when  John  says,  "  I 
saw  under  the  altar  the  souls  of  them  that  were  slain 
for  the  word  of  God."  When  Christ  says,  "  Fear 
not  them  who  kill  the  body,  but  are  not  able  to  kill 
the  soul,"  does  it  not  plainly  imply,  that  when  wide- 


108  CHARACTER    OF    THOSE,    &e. 

ed  men  have  killed  our  bodies,  that  is,  have  sepa- 
rated the  souls  from  them,  yet  the  souls  are  still 
alive  ?  The  soul  of  Christ  was  alive  when  his  body 
was  dead,  and  therefore  so  shall  be  ours  too.  Thi3 
appears  by  his  words  to  the  thief,  "  To-day  shalt 
thou  be  with  me  in  Paradise ;"  and  also  by  his  voice 
on  the  cross,  "  Father,  into  thy  hands  I  commend 
my  Spirit."  If  the  spirits  of  those  that  "  were  dis- 
obedient  in  the  days  of  Noah  were  in  prison,"  that 
is,  in  a  living  and  suffering  state ;  then,  certainly, 
the  separate  spirits  of  the  just  are  in  an  opposite  con- 
dition of  happiness.  Therefore,  faithful  souls  will 
no  sooner  leave  their  prisons  of  flesh  but  angels 
shall  be  their  convoy ;  Christ,  with  all  the  perfected 
spirits  of  the  just,  will  be  their  companions ;  heaven 
will  be  their  residence,  and  God  their  happiness. 
When  such  die,  they  may  boldly  and  believingly 
say,  as  Stephen,  "Lord  Jesus,  receive  my  spirit;" 
and  commend  it,  as  Christ  did,  into  a  Father's  hands. 


f 


THE    GREAT    MISERY    OF    THOSE,    &,c.         109 

CHAPTER   V. 

TSE  GREAT  MISERY   OP  THOSE  WHO   LOSE   THE   SMNTs'   REST.  ^ 

/.  The  loss  of  heaven  includes,  1.  T%e  personal  perfection  of 
the  saints ;  2.  God  himself  ,•  3.  All  -dclightfid  affections  to- 
wards Gody-  4.  The  Messed  society  of  angels  and  glorifctl 
spirits.  II.  The  aggravations  of  iii£  loss  of  heaven ;  L  The 
understanding  of  the  ungodly  will  then  be  cleared ;  2.  Also 
enlarged.  3.  Their  tonscicivces  will  make  a  true  and  close 
(application.  4.  Thkir  affections  will  be  more  livelxj,  5.  Their 
mem-ories  will  be  large  and  strong. 

If  thou,  reader,  art  a  stranger  to  Christ,  and  to 
the  holy  nature  and  life  of  his  people,  who  are  be- 
fore described,  and  shall  li^e  and  die  in  this  condi- 
tion, let  me  tell  thee,  ihoii  shah  never  partake  of  the 
joys  of  heaven,  nor  have  the  least  taste  of  the  saints' 
eternal  rest.  I  may  say,  as  Ehud  to  Eglon,  "  I  have 
a  message  to  thee  from  God ;"  that,  as  the  word  of 
God  is  true,  thou  shalt  never  see  the  face  of  God 
with  comfort.  This  sentence  I  am  commanded  to 
pass  upon  thee ;  take  it  as  thou  wilt,  and  escape  it 
if  thou  canst.  I  know  thy  humble  and  hearty  sub- 
jection to  Christ  would  procure  thy  escape ;  he  would 
then  acknowledge  thee  for  one  of  his  people,  and  give 
thee  a  portion  in  the  inheritance  of  his  chosen.  If 
this  might  be  the  happy  succf*ss  of  my  mes.sage,  I 
should  be  so  far  from  repining,  like  Jonah,  that  the 
•ihreatenings  of  God  are  not  executed  upon  thee,  that 

s.   R.  10 


no  MISERY  Of  mast  Wild 

1  should  bless  the  day  that  ever  God  made  me  so 
happy  a  messenger.  But  if  thou  end  thy  days  in 
thy  unregenerate  state,  as  sure  as  the  heavens  are 
over  thy  head,  and  the  earth  u!nder  thy  feet,  thou 
shah  be  shut  out  of  the  rest  of  the  saints,  and  receive 
thy  portion  in  everlasting  fire.  I  expect  thou  wilt 
turn  upon  me,  and  say.  When  did  God  show  you 
the  Book  of  Life,  or  tell  you  who  fhey  are  that  shall 
be  saved,  and  who  shut  out  ?  1  answer,  I  do  not 
name  thee,  nor  any  other;  I  only  conclude  it  of  the 
unregenerate  in  general,  and  of  thee,  if  thou  be  such 
a  one.  Nor  do  I  go  about  to  determine  who  shall 
repent,  and  who  shall  not ;  much  less,  that  thou  shalt 
never  repent.  I  had  rather  show  thee  what  hope^ 
thou  hast  before  thee,  if  thou  wilt  not  sit  still  atid 
lose  them.  I  would  far  rather  persuade  thee  to 
licarken  in  time,  before  the  door  be  shut  against 
thee,  than  tell  thee  there  isf  no  hope  of  thy  repenting 
and  returning.  But,  if  the  foregoing  description  of 
the  people  of  God  does  not  agfec  with  the  state  of 
thy  soul,  is  it  then  a  hard  question  whether  thou 
shalt  ever  be  saved?  Need  I  ascend  up  into  heavcH 
to  know  that  "  without  holiness  no  man  shall  see 
the  Lord  :"  or,  that  only  "the  pure  in  heart  shall  see 
God ;"  or,  that  "  except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  can- 
not enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God  ?"  Need  I  go  up 
to  heaven  to  inquire  that  of  Christ  which  he  came 
dov.'n  to  earth  to  tell  us,  and  sent  his  Spirit  in  his 
iJtposllcs  to  tell  us,  and  which  he  and  tliey  have  left 


LOSE    THE    saints'    REST.  HI 

lapon  record  to  all  tlie  world  ?  And  though  I  know 
not  the  secrets  of  thy  heart,  and  therefore  cannot  tell 
thee  by  name,  whether  it  be  thy  state  or  not ;  yet,  if 
thou  art  but  willing  and  diligent,  thou  mayst  know 
thyself  whether  thou  art  an  heir  of  heaven  or  not. 
It  is  the  main  thing  I  desire,  that,  if  thou  art  yet 
miserable,  thou  mayst  discern  and  escape  it.  But 
how  •canst  thou  escape,  if  thou  neglect  Christ  and 
salvation  ?  It  is  as  impossible  as  for  the  devils  them- 
selves to  be  saved-  nay,  God  has  more  plainly  and 
frequently  spoken  it  in  Scripture  of  such  sinners  as 
thou  art,  than  he  has  of  the  devils.  Methinks  a  sight 
o(  thy  case  would  strike  thee  with  amazement  and 
horror.  When  Belshazzar  "  saw  the  fingers  of  a 
man's  hand  that  wrote  upon  the  wall,  his  counte- 
nance was  changed,  and  his  thoughts  troubled  him, 
so  that  the  joints  of  his  loins  were  loosed,  and  his 
knees  smote  one  against  another."  What  trembling, 
then,  should  seize  on  thee,  who  hast  the  hand  of  God 
himself  against  thee,  not  in  a  sentence  or  two,  but  in 
the  very  scope  of  the  Scriptures,  threatening  the  loss 
of  an  everlasting  kingdom  !  Because  I  would  fain 
have  thee  lay  it  to  heart,  I  will  show  thee,  Jin  t,  the 
nature  of  thy  loss  of  heaven;  secondly,  its  aggrava- 
tiott& 

First,  In  their  loss  of  heaven,  the  ungodly  lose — 
the  samts'  personal  perfection — God  himself — all 
(delightful  affections  toward  God — and  the  blessed 
society  of  angelg  and  saints. 


112  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

1.  The  glorious  personal  perfectio?i,  which  the 
saints  enjoy  in  heaven,  is  the  great  loss  of  the  un- 
godly. They  lose  that  shining  lustre  of  the  body 
surpassing  the  brightness  of  the  sun  at  noon-day. 
Though  the  bodies  of  the  wicked  will  be  raised 
more  spiritual  than  they  were  upon  earth,  yet 
that  will  only  make  them  capable  of  the  more 
exquisite  torments.  They  would  be  glad  then,  if 
every  member  w^ere  a  dead  member,  that  it  might 
iiot  feel  the  punishment  inflicted  on  it ;  and  if  the 
whole  body  w^ere  a  rotten  carcass,  or  might  lie  down 
again  in  the  dust.  Much  more  do  they  want  that 
moral  perfection  which  the  blessed  partake  of;  those 
holy  dispositions  of  mind  ;  that  cheerful  readiness  to 
do  the  will  of  God ;  that  perfect  rectitude  of  all  their 
actions :  instead  of  these,  they  have  that  perverse- 
ness  of  will,  that  lothing  of  good,  that  love  to  evil, 
that  violence  of  passion,  which  they  had  on  earth, 
It  is  true,  their  understandings  will  be  much  cleared 
by  the  ceasing  of  former  temptations,  and  experienc- 
ing the  falsehood  of  former  delusions;  but  they  have 
the  same  dispositions  still,  and  fain  would  they  com- 
mit the  same  sins,  if  they  could :  they  want  but  op- 
portunity. There  will  be  a  greater  difference  be-- 
tween  these  wretches  and  the  glorified  Christian, 
than  there  is  betwixt  a  toad  and  the  sun  in  the  fir- 
mament. "  The  rich  man's  purple  and  fine  linei^, 
and  sumptuous  fare,"  did  not  so  exalt  hi'm  above 
"  Lazarus  while  at  his  gate,  full  of  sores." 


113 

2.  They  shall  have  no  comfortable  relation  to 
Ood^  nor  communion  with  himP  As  they  did  not  like 
to  retain  God  in  their  knowledge,"  but  said  unto 
him,  "  Depart  from  us,  for  we  desire  not  the  know- 
ledge of  thy  wa3^s ;"  so  God  will  abhor  to  retain 
them  in  his  household.  He  will  never  admit  them 
to  the  inheritance  of  his  saints,  nor  endure  them  to 
start d  in  his  presence ;  but  "  will  profess  unto  them, 
I  never  knew  you :  depart  from  me,  ye  that  work 
iniquity."  They  are  ready  now  to  lay  as  confident 
claim  to  Christ  and  heaven,  as  if  they  were  sincere 
believing  saints.  The  swearer,  the  drunkard,  the 
whoremonger,  the  worldling  can  say,  Is  not  God 
our  Father  as  Avell  as  yours  ?  But  when  Christ  se- 
parates his  followers  from  his  foes,  and  his  faithful 
friends  from  his  deceived  flatterers,  where,  then,  will 
he  their  presumptuous  claim  ?  Then  they  shall  find 
that  God  is  not  their  Father,  because  they  would 
not  be  his  people.  As  they  would  not  consent  that 
God  by  his  Spirit  should  dwell  in  them,  so  the  taber- 
nacle of  wickedness  shall  have  no  fellowship  with 
him,  nor  the  wicked  inhabit  the  city  of  God.  Only 
they  that  walked  with  God  here  shall  live  and  be 
happy  with  him  in  heaven.  Little  does  the  world 
know  what  a  loss  that  soul  hath  who  loses  God ! 
What  a  dungeon  would  the  earth  be,  if  it  had  lost 
the  sun !  what  a  loathsome  carrion  the  body,  if  it 
had  lost  the  soul !  Yet  all  these  are  nothing  to  the 
loss  of  God.     As  the  enjojTnent  of  God  is  the  hea- 

s.    R.  10* 


114  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

ven  of  the  saints,  so  the  loss  of  God  is  the  hell  of  the 
ungodly;  and  as  the  enjoying  of  God  is  the  enjoy- 
ing of  all,  so  the  loss  of  God  is  the  loss  of  all. 

3.  They  also  lose  all  delightful  affections  toward 
God ;  that  transporting  knowledge ;  those  delightful 
views  of  his  glorious  face ;  the  inconceivable  plea- 
sure of  loving  him  ;  the  apprehensions  of  his  infi- 
nite love  to  us ;  the  constant  joys  of  his  saints,  and 
the  rivers  of  consolation  Avith  which  he  satisfies 
them.  Is  it  nothing  to  lose  all  this  ?  The  employ- 
ment of  a  king  in  ruling  a  kingdom,  does  not  so 
far  exceed  that  of  the  vilest  slave,  as  this  heavenly 
employment  exceeds  that  of  an  earthly  king.  God 
suits  men's  employment  to  their  natures.  Your 
hearts,  sinners,  were  never  set  upon  God  in  your 
lives,  never  warmed  with  his  love,  never  longed  af- 
ter the  enjoj'-ment  of  him ;  you  had  no  delight  in 
speaking  or  hearing  of  him ;  you  had  rather  have 
continued  on  earth,  if  you  had  known  how,  than  to 
be  interested  in  the  glorious  praises  of  God.  Is  it 
meet,  then,  that  you  should  be  members  of  the  celes- 
tial choir  ? 

4,  They  shall  be  deprived  of  the  blessed  society 
of  angels  and  glorified  saints.  Instead  of  being 
companions  of  those  happy  spirits,  and  numbered 
with  those  triumphant  kings,  they  must  be  mem- 
bers of  the  corporation  of  hell,  where  they  shall 
have  companions  of  a  far  different  nature  and  quali- 
ty.   Scorning  and  abusing  the  saints,  hating  them, 


LOSE    THE    saints'    REST.  115 

and  rejoicing  at  their  calamities,  was  not  the  way 
to  obtain  their  blessedness.  Now  you  are  shut  out 
of  that  company,  from  which  you  .first  shut  out 
yourselves;  and  are  separated  from  them,  with 
whom  you  would  not  be  joined.  You  could  not 
endure  them  in  your  houses,  nor  towns,  nor  scarce 
in  the  kingdom.  You  took  them,  as  Ahab  did  Eli- 
jah, for  the  "troublers  of  the  land;"  and,  as  the 
apostles  were  taken,  for  "  men  that  turned  the  world 
upside  down."  If  any  thing  fell  out  amiss,  you 
thought  all  was  owing  to  them.  When  they  were 
dead  or  banished,  you  were  glad  they  were  gone, 
and  thought  the  country  well  rid  of  them.  They 
molested  you  by  faithfully  reproving  your  sins. 
Their  holy  conversation  troubled  your  consciences, 
to  see  them  so  far  excel  you.  It  was  a  vexation  to 
you  to  hear  them  pray  or  sing  praises  in  their  fa- 
milies. And  is  it  any  wonder  if  you  be  separated 
from  them  hereafter  ?  The  day  is  near  when  they 
will  trouble  you  no  more.  Betwixt  them  and  you 
will  be  a  great  gulf  fixed.  Even  in  this  life,  while 
the  saints  were  "mocked,  destitute,  afflicted,  tor- 
mented," and  while  they  had  their  personal  imper- 
fections, yet,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
they  were  such  "  of  whom  the  world  was  not  wor- 
thy." Much  more  unworthy  will  the  world  be  of 
their  fellowship  in  glory. 

Secondly.    I  know  many  will  be  ready  to  think 
they  could  spare  these  things  in  this  world  well 


116  MISERY    OF    THOSE  WHO 

enough,  and  why  may  they  not  be  without  them 
in  the  world  to  come  ?  Therefore,  to  show  them 
that  this  loss  of  heaven  will  then  be  most  torment- 
ing, let  them  now  consider — their  understandings 
Avill  be  cleared  to  know  their  loss,  and  have  more 
enlarged  apprehensions  concerning  it :  their  con- 
sciences will  make  a  closer  application  of  it  to  them- 
selves ;  their  aflections  will  no  longer  be  stupified, 
nor  their  memories  be  treacherous. 

1.  The  understanding  of  the  ungodly  will  then 
be  cleared  to  know  the  worth  of  that  lohich  they  have 
lost.  Now  they  lament  not  their  loss  of  God,  be- 
rause  they  never  knew  his  excellence  ;  nor  the  loss 
of  that  holy  employment  and  society,  for  they  were 
never  sensible  what  they  were  worth.  A  man  that 
has  lost  a  jewel,  and  took  it  but  for  a  common  stone, 
is  never  troubled  at  his  loss ;  but  when  he  comes  to 
know  what  he  lost,  then  he  laments  it.  Though 
the  understandings  of  the  damned  will  not  be  sancti- 
fied, yet  they  will  be  cleared  from  a  multitude  of 
errors.  They  now  think  that  their  honors,  estates, 
pleasures,  health,  and  life  are  better  worth  their 
labor  than  the  things  of  another  world ;  but  when 
these  things  have  left  them  in  misery,  when  they 
experience  the  things  which  before  they  did  but 
read  and  hear  of,  they  will  be  of  another  mind. 
They  would  not  believe  that  water  would  drown, 
till  they  were  in  the  sea  ;  nor  the  fire  burn,  till  they 
were  cast  into  it :  but  when  they  feel,  they  will  easi- 


UEST.  117 

Jy  believe.  All  that  error  of  mind  which  made  them 
set  light  by  God,  and  abhor  his  worship,  and  vilify 
his  people,  will  then  be  confuted  and  removed  by 
experience.  Their  knowledge  shall  be  increased, 
that  their  sorrows  may  be  increased.  Poor  souls  ! 
they  would  be  comparatively  happy,  if  their  under- 
standings were  wholly  taken  from  them,  if  they  had 
no  more  knowledge  than  idiots,  or  brute  beasts  ;  or 
if  they  knew  no  more  in  hell  than  they  did  upon 
earth,  their  loss  would  less  trouble  them.  How 
happy  would  they  then  think  themselves,  if  they 
did  not  know  there  is  such  a  place  as  heaven  !  Now, 
w^hen  their  knowledge  would  help  to  prevent  their 
misery,  they  will  not  know,  or  will  not  read  or  study 
that  they  may  know ;  therefore,  when  their  know- 
ledge will  but  feed  their  consuming  fire,  they  shall 
know,  whether  they  will  or  not.  They  are  now  in 
a  dead  sleep,  and  dream  that  they  are  the  happiest 
men  in  the  world ;  but  when  death  awakes  them, 
how  will  their  judgments  be  changed  in  a  moment  1 
and  they  that  would  not  see,  shall  then  see,  and  be 
ishamed. 

2.  As  their  understanding  will  be  cleared,  so  it  will 
be  more  enlarged,  and  made  more  capacious  to  con- 
ceive the  worth  of  that  glory  which  they  have  lost. 
The  strength  of  their  apprehensions,  as  well  as  the 
truth  of  them,  will  then  be  increased.  What  deep 
apprehensions  of  the  wrath  of  God,  the  madness  of 
sinning,  the  misery  of  sinners,  have  those  souls  that 


lis 


MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 


now  endure  this  misery,  in  comparison  with  those 
on  earth  that  do  but  hear  of  it !  What  sensibility 
of  the  worth  of  life  has  the  condemned  man  that  is 
going  to  be  executed,  compared  with  what  he  was 
wont  to  have  in  the  time  of  his  prosperity !  Much 
more  will  the  actual  loss  of  eternal  blessedness 
make  the  damned  exceedingly  apprehensive  of  the 
greatness  of  their  loss ;  and  as  a  large  vessel  will 
hold  more  water  than  a  shell,  so  will  their  more  en- 
larged understandings  contain  more  matter  to  feed 
their  torment,  than  their  shallow  capacity  can  now  do. 
3.  Their  consciences  also  will  make  a  truer  and 
closer  application  of  this  doctrine  to  themselves, 
which  will  exceedingly  tend  to  increase  their  tor- 
ment. It  will  then  be  no  hard  matter  to  them  to  say, 
"  This  is  my  loss !  and  this  is  my  everlasting  re- 
mediless misery  !''  The  want  of  this  self-application 
is  the  main  cause  why  they  are  so  little  troubled 
now.  They  are  hardly  brought  to  believe  that  there 
is  such  a  state  of  misery ;  but  more  hardly  to  believe 
that  it  is  like  to  be  their  own.  This  makes  so  many 
sermons  lost  to  them,  and  all  threatenings  and  warn- 
ings in  vain.  Let  a  minister  of  Christ  show  them 
their  misery  ever  so  plainly  and  faithfully,  they  will 
not  be  persuaded  they  are  so  miserable,  Let  him 
tell  them  of  the  glory  they  must  lose,  and  the  suffer- 
ings they  must  feel,  and  they  think  he  means  not 
{hem,  but  some  notorious  sinners.  It  is  one  of  the 
hardest  things  in  the  world  to  bring  a  wicked  mau 


to  know  that  he  is  wicked,  or  to  make  hirn  ge©  him- 
self in  a  state  of  wrath  and  condemnation.  Though 
they  may  easily  find,  by  their  strangeness  to  the  new- 
birth,  and  their  enmity  to  holiness,  that  they  neve/ 
were  partakers  of  them ;  yet  they  as  verily  expect  to 
see  God,  and  be  saved,  as  if  they  were  the  most 
sanctified  persons  in  the  world.  How  seldom  do 
men  cry  out,  after  the  plainest  discovery  of  their 
state,  I  am  the  man  \  or  acknowledge,  that,  if  they 
die  in  their  present  condition,  they  are  undone  for 
ever  !  But  when  they  suddenly  find  themselves  in 
the  land  of  darkness,  feel  themselves  in  scorching 
flames,  and  see  they  are  shut  out  of  the  presence  of 
God  for  ever ;  then  the  application  of  God's  anger 
to  themselves  will  be  the  easiest  matter  in  the  world; 
they  will  then  roar  out  these  forced  confessions,  "  O 
my  misery  !  O  my  folly !  O  my  inconceivable,  irre- 
coverable loss !" 

4.  Then  will  their  affections  likewise  be  more 
lively,  and  no  longer  stupified.  A  hard  heart  now 
makes  heaven  and  hell  seem  but  trifles.  We  have 
showed  them  everlasting  glory  and  misery,  and  they 
are  as  men  asleep ;  our  words  are  as  stones  cast 
against  a  wall,  which  fly  back  in  our  faces.  We  talk, 
of  terrible  thinsfSj  but  it  is  to  dead  men  ;  we  search 
the  woundsj  but  they  never  feel  us ;  we  speak  to 
rocks  rather  than  to  men ;  the  earth  vrill  as  soon 
tremble  as  they.  But  when  these  dead  souls  are  re* 
vived,  what  passionate  sensibility,  what  Avorking  af* 


120  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

fections,  what  pangs  of  horror,  what  depth  of  sorrow 
will  there  then  be  I  How  violently  will  they  fly  in 
their  own  faces !  How  will  they  rage  against  their 
former  madness !  The  lamentations  of  the  most  af- 
fectionate wife  for  the  loss  of  her  husband,  or  of  the 
tenderest  mother  for  the  loss  of  her  cJiildren,  will  be 
nothing  to  theirs  for  the  loss  of  heaven.  O  the  self- 
accusing  and  self-tormenting  fury  of  those  forlorn 
creatures !  How  will  they  even  tear  their  own 
hearts,  and  be  God's  executioners  upon  themselves  I 
As  themselves  Avere  the  only  meritorious  cause  of 
their  sufferings,  so  themselves  will  be  the  chief  execu- 
tioners. Even  Satan,  as  he  was  not  so  great  a  cause 
of  their  sinning  as  themselves,  will  not  be  so  great 
an  instrument  of  their  torment.  How  happy  would 
they  think  themselves  then,  if  they  were  turned  into 
roeks,  or  any  thing  that  had  neither  passion  nor 
sense !  How  happy,  if  they  could  then  feel  as  lightly 
as  they  were  wont  to  hear  !  if  they  could  sleep  out 
the  time  of  execution,  as  they  did  the  time  of  the  ser* 
mons  that  warned  them  of  it  1  But  their  stupidity  is 
gone :  it  will  not  be. 

5.  Their  memories  will  moreover  be  as  large  and 
strong  as  their  understanding  and  affections.  Could 
they  but  lose  the  use  of  their  memory,  their  loss  of 
heaven,  being  forgot,  would  little  trouble  them. 
Though  they  would  account  annihilation  a  smgular 
rnercy,  they  cannot  lay  aside  any  part  of  their  being. 
Understanding,  conscience,  affections^  memory,  must 


Lost  THt:  saints'  rkst.  121 

all  live  to  torment  them,  which  should  have  helped 
to  their  happiness.  As  by  these  they  should  have 
fed  upon  the  love  of  God,  and  drawn  forth  perpetu* 
ally  the  joys  of  his  presence,  so  by  these  must  they 
feed  upon  his  wrath,  and  draw  forth  continually  the 
pains  of  his  absence.  Now  they  have  no  leisure  to 
consider,  nor  any  room  in  their  memories  for  the 
things  of  another  life;  but  then  they  shall  have  no- 
thing else  to  do ;  their  memories  shall  have  no  other 
employment.  God  w^ould  have  had  the  doctrine  of 
their  eternal  state  "  written  on  the  posts  of  their  doors, 
on  their  hands  and  hearts:"  he  would  have  them 
mind  it,  "  and  mention  it  Avhen  they  lay  down  and 
rose  up,  when  they  sat  in  their  houses,  and  Avhen 
they  walked  by  the  way;"  and  seeing  they  rejected 
this  counsel  of  the  Lord,  therefore  it  shall  be  written 
always  before  them  in  the  place  of  their  thraldom, 
that,  which  way  soever  they  look,  they  may  still  be* 
hold  it.  It  will  torment  them  to  think  of  the  great* 
ness  of  the  glory  they  have  lost.  If  it  had  been  what 
they  could  have  spared,  or  a  loss  to  be  repaired  with 
any  thing  else,  it  had  been  a  smaller  matter.  If  it 
had  been  health,  or  wealth,  or  friends,  or  life,  it  had 
been  nothing.  But,  0 !  to  lose  that  exceeding  eter* 
nal  weight  of  glory !  It  will  also  torment  them  to 
think  of  the  possibility  they  once  had  of  obtaining  it. 
Theii  they  will  remember,  "  Time  was,  when  I  was 
as  fair  for  the  kingdom  as  others.  I  was  set  upon 
the  stage  of  the  world ;  if  I  had  believed  in  Christ.  J 

S.    R.  11 


1*22  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

might  now  have  had  possession  of  the  inheritance. 
I  who  am  now  tormented  with  these  damned  fiends, 
might  have  been  among  yonder  blessed  saints.  The 
Lord  did  set  before  me  life  and  death;  and  having 
chosen  death,  I  deserve  to  suffer  it.  The  prize  was 
held  out  before  me ;  if  I  had  run  well,  I  might  have 
obtained  it ;  if  I  had  Istriven,  I  might  have  had  the 
victory ;  if  I  had  fotight  valiantly,  I  had  been 
crowned."  It  will  yet  more  torment  them  to  re- 
member that  their  obtaining  the  crown  was  not  only 
possible^  but  very  probable.  It  will  wound  them  to 
think,  "  I  had  once  the  gales  of  the  Spirit  ready  to 
have  assisted  me.  I  was  proposing  to  be  another 
man,  to  have  cleaved  to  Christ,  and  forsake  the 
world.  I  was  almost  resolved  to  have  been  wholly 
for  God.  I  was  once  even  turning  from  my  base 
seducing  lusts.  I  had  cast  off  my  old  companions, 
and  was  associating  with  the  godly.  Yet  I  turned 
back,  lost  my  hold,  and  broke  my  promises.  I  was 
almost  persuaded  to  be  a  real  Christian,  yet  I  con* 
quered  those  persuasions.  What  workings  were  in 
my  heart,  when  a  faithful  minister  pressed  home  the 
truth  !  O  how  fair  was  I  once  for  heaven  !  I  almost 
had  it,  and  yet  1  have  lost  it.  Had  I  followed  on  to 
seek  the  Lord,  I  had  now  been  blessed  among  the 
saints." 

It  will  exceedingly  torment  them  to  remember 
their  lost  opportunities.  "  How  many  weeks,  and 
months,  and  years  did  I  lose,  which  if  !  had  im* 


LOSE    THE    saints'    REST.  123 

proved,  I  might  now  have  been  happy!  Wretch 
that  I  was  !  could  I  find  no  time  to  study  the  work, 
for  which  I  had  all  my  time  ?  no  time,  among  all 
my  labors,  to  labor  for  eternity  ?  Had  I  time  to  eat, 
and  drink,  and  sleep,  and  none  to  save  my  soul? 
Had  I  time  for  mirth  and  vain  discourse,  and  none 
for  prayer  ?  Could  I  take  time  to  secure  the  world, 
and  none  to  try  my  title  to  heaven?  O  precious 
time !  I  had  once  enough,  and  now  I  must  have  no 
more.  I  had  once  so  much,  I  knew  not  what  to  do 
with  it ;  and  now  it  is  gone,  and  cannot  be  recalled. 
O  that  I  had  but  one  of  those  years  to  live  over 
again !  how  speedily  would  I  repent !  how  earnestly 
would  I  pray!  how  diligently  would  I  hear!  how 
closely  would  I  examine  my  state?  how  strictly 
would  I  live  \  but  it  is  now  too  late,  alas  !  too  late." 
It  will  add  to  their  calamity  to  remember  how 
often  they  were  persuaded  to  return.  "  Fain  would 
the  minister  have  had  me  escape  these  torments. 
With  what  love  and  compassion  did  he  beseech  me ! 
and  yet  I  did  but  make  a  jest  of  it.  How  oft  did 
he  convince  me  1  and  yet  I  stifled  all  these  convic- 
tions. How  did  he  open  to  me  my  very  heart !  and 
yet  I  was  loth  to  know  the  worst  of  myself  O 
how  glad  would  he  have  been,  if  he  could  have 
seen  me  cordially  turn  to  Christ !  My  godly  friends 
admonished  me ;  they  told  me  what  would  become 
of  my  willfulness  and  negligence  at  last ;  but  I  nei- 
ther believed  nor  regarded  them.    How  long  did 


124  MISERY    OF    THOSE    wno 

God  himself  condescend  to  entreat  me!  How  did 
the  Spirit  strive  with  my  heart,  as  if  he  was  loth 
to  take  a  denial !  How  did  Christ  stand  knocking", 
one  Sabbath  after  another,  and  crying  to  me,  '  Open, 
sinner,  open  thy  heart  to  thy  Savior,  and  I  will 
come  in  and  sup  with  thee,  and  thou  with  me  !' 
Why  dost  thou  delay?  How  long  shall  thy  vain 
thoughts  lodge  within  thee  ?  Wilt  thou  not  be  par* 
doned,  and  sanctified,  and  made  happy?  When 
shall  it  once  be?"  O  how  the  recollection  of  such 
divine  pleadings  will  passionately  transport  the 
damned  with  self-indignation  !  "  Must  I  tire  out  the 
patience  of  Christ  ?  Must  I  make  the  God  of  heaven 
follow  me  in  vain,  till  I  had  wearied  him  with  cry- 
ing to  me.  Repent !  return !  O  how  justly  is  that 
patience  now  turned  into  fury,  which  falls  upon  me 
with  irresistible  violence  !  When  the  Lord  cried  to 
me,  '  Wilt  thou  not  be  made  clean  ?  When  shall  it 
once  be  V  my  heart,  or  at  least  my  practice,  answer- 
ed, Never.  And  now,  when  I  cry.  How  long  shall 
it  be  till  I  am  freed  from  this  torment  ?  how  justly 
do  I  receive  the  same  answer,  Never,  never !" 

It  will  also  be  most  cutting  to  remember  o?i  what 
easy  terms  they  might  have  escaped  their  misery. 
Their  work  was  not  to  remove  mountains,  nor  con- 
quer kingdoms,  nor  fulfill  the  law  to  the  smallest  tit- 
tle, nor  satisfy  justice  for  all  their  transgressions. 
"  The  yoke  was  easy  and  the  burden  light"  which 
Christ  would  have  laid  upon  them.     It  was  but  to 


LOSE    THE    saints'   REST.  125 

repent  and  cordially  accept  him  for  their  Savior ; 
to  renounce  all  other  happiness,  arid  take  the  Lord 
for  their  supreme  good ;  to  renounce  the  world  and 
the  flesh,  and  submit  to  his  meek  and  gracious  go- 
vernment ;  and  to  forsake  the  ways  of  their  own  de- 
vising, and  walk  in  his  holy,  delightful  way.  "  Ah," 
thinks  the  poor  tormented  wretch,  "  how  justly  do  I 
suffer  all  this,  who  would  not  be  at  so  small  pains 
to  avoid  it  !  Where  was  my  imderstanding  when  I 
neglected  that  gracious  offer;  when  I  called  'the  Lord 
a  hard  master,'  and  thought  his  pleasant  service  a 
bondage,  and  the  service  of  the  devil  and  the  flesh  the 
only  freedom  1  Was  I  not  a  thousand  times  worse 
than  mad,  when  I  censured  the  holy  way  of  God  as 
needless  preciseness  ;  when  I  thought  the  laws  of 
Christ  too  strict,  and  all  too  much  that  I  did  for  the 
life  to  come  ?  What  would  all  sufferings  for  Christ 
and  well-doing  have  been,  compared  with  these  suf- 
ferings that  I  must  undergo  for  ever  ?  Would  not  the 
heaven,  which  I  have  lost,  have  recompensed  all  my 
losses  ?  And  would  not  all  my  sufferings  have  been 
there  forgotten  ?  What  if  Christ  had  bid  me  to  do 
some  great  matter ;  whether  to  live  in  continual  fears 
and  sorrows,  or  to  suffer  death  a  hundred  times 
over :  should  I  not  have  done  it  ?  How  much  more, 
when  he  only  said,  '  Believe,  and  be  saved.  Seek  my 
face,  and  thy  soul  shall  live.  Take  up  thy  cross  and 
follow  me,  and  I  will  give  thee  everlasting  life.'    O 

S.    R.  11* 


126  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

gracious  offer  !    O  easy  terms  !    O  cursed  wretch, 
that  would  not  be  persuaded  to  accept  them  !" 

This  also  will  be  a  most  tormenting  consideration, 
to  remember/or  Wm^  they  sold  their  eternal  welfare. 
When  they  compare  the  value  of  the  pleasures  of 
sin  with  the  value  of  "the  recompense  of  reward," 
how  will  the  vast  disproportion  astonish  them  !  To 
think  of  the  low  delights  of  the  flesh,  or  the  applaud- 
ing breath  of  mortals,  or  the  possessing  heaps 
of  gold,  and  then  to  think  of  everlasting  glory. 
"  This  is  all  [had  for  my  soul,  my  God,  my 
hopes  of  blessedness  !"  It  cannot  possibly  be  ex- 
pressed how  these  thoughts  will  tear  his  very  heart. 
Then  will  he  exclaim  against  his  folly :  "  O  misera- 
ble wretch  !  Did  I  set  my  soul  to  sale  for  so  base  a 
price  ?  Did  I  part  with  my  God  for  a  little  dirt  and 
dross ;  and  sell  my  Savior,  as  Judas,  for  a  little  sil- 
ver? I  had  but  a  dream  of  delight  for  my  hopes  of 
heaven ;  and,  now  I  am  awakened,  it  is  all  vanished. 
My  morsels  are  now  turned  to  gall,  and  my  cups  to 
wormwood.  When  they  were  past  my  taste,  the 
pleasure  perished.  And  is  this  all  that  I  have  had 
for  the  inestimable  treasure  ?  What  a  mad  exchange 
did  I  make !  What  if  I  had  gained  all  the  world, 
and  lost  my  soul !  But,  alas  !  how  small  a  part  of 
the  world  was  it  for  which  I  gave  up  heaven  !"  O 
that  sinners  would  think  of  this,  when  they  are 
swimming  in  the  delights  of  the  flesh,  and  studying 
how  to  be  rich  and  honorable  in  the  world  !  when 


REST.  127 

they  are  desperately  venturing  upon  known  trans- 
gression, and  sinning-  against  the  checks  of  con- 
science ! 


It  will  add  yet  more  to  their  torment,  when  they 
consider  that  they  most  willfully  ^procured  their  own 
destruction.  Had  they  been  forced  to  sin,  it  would 
much  abate  the  rage  of  their  consciences ;  or  if  they 
were  punished  for  another  man's  transgressions ; 
or  any  other  had  been  the  chief  author  of  their  ruin. 
But  to  think  it  was  the  choice  of  their  own  will,  and 
that  nOne  in  the  world  could  have  forced  them  to  sin 
against  their  wills ;  this  will  be  a  cutting  thought. 
*'  Had  1  not  enemies  enough  in  the  world,"  thinks 
this  miserable  creature,  "  but  I  must  be  an  enemy  to 
myself?  God  would  never  give  the  devil,  nor  the 
world,  so  much  power  over  me  as  to  force  me  to 
commit  the  least  transgression.  They  could  but  en- 
tice :  it  was  myself  that  yielded  and  did  the  evil. 
And  must  I  lay  hands  upon  my  own  soul,  and  im- 
brue my  hands  in  my  own  blood  1  Never  had  I  so 
great  an  enemy  as  myself  Never  did  God  offer  any 
good  to  my  soul  but  I  resisted  him.  He  hath  heap- 
ed mercy  upon  me,  and  renewed  one  deliverance 
after  another,  to  draw  my  heart  to  him  ;  yea,  he  hath 
gently  chastised  me,  and  made  me  groan  under  the 
fruit  of  my  disobedience;  and  though  I  promised 
largely  in  my  affliction,  yet  never  was  I  heartilj'- 
willing  to  serve  him."  Thus  will  it  gnaw  the  hearts 
of  these  sinners,  to  remember  that  they  were  the 


128     ,  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

cause  of  their  own  ruin  ;  and  that  they  willfully  and 
obstinately  persisted  in  their  rebellion,  and  were 
mere  volunteers  in  the  service  of  the  devil. 

The  wound  in  their  consciences  will  be  yet  deeper, 
when  they  shall  not  only  remember  it  was  their  own 
doing,  but  that  they  were  at  so  much  cost  and  pains 
for  their  own  damnation.  What  great  undertakings 
did  they  engage  in  to  effect  their  ruin ;  to  resist  the 
Spirit  of  God ;  to  overcome  the  power  of  mercies, 
judgments,  and  even  the  word  of  God ;  to  subdue 
the  power  of  reason,  and  silence  conscience  !  All 
this  they  undertook  and  performed.  Though  they 
walked  in  continual  danger  of  the  wrath  of  God, 
and  knew  he  could  lay  them  in  the  dust,  and  cast 
them  into  hell  in  a  moment ;  yet  would  they  run 
upon  all  this.  O  the  labor  it  costs  sinners  to  be 
damned  !  Sobriety,  with  health  and  ease,  they  might 
have  had  at  a  cheaper  rate ;  yet  they  will  rather 
have  gluttony  and  drunkenness,  with  poverty,  shame, 
and  sickness.  Contentment  they  might  have,  with 
ease  and  delight ;  yet  they  will  rather  have  covet- 
ousness  and  ambition,  though  it  costs  them  cares 
and  fears,  labor  of  body  and  distraction  of  mind. 
Though  their  anger  be  self-torment,  and  revenge 
and  envy  consume  their  spirits;  though  unclean- 
ness  destroy  their  bodies,  estates,  and  good  names  ; 
yet  will  they  do  and  suffer  all  this,  rather  than  suf- 
fer their  souls  to  be  saved.  With  what  rage  will 
they  lament  their  folly,  and  say,  "  Was  damnation 


LOSE    THE    saints'    REST.  129 

worth  all  my  cost  and  pains  7  Might  I  not  have 
been  damned  on  free  cost,  bat  I  must  purchase  it  so 
dearly  ?  I  thought  I  could  have  been  saved  without 
so  much  ado,  and  could  I  not  have  been  destroyed 
without  SO  much  ado?  Must  I  so  laboriously  work 
out  my  own  damnation,  when  God  commanded  me 
to  '  work  out  my  own  salvation  V  If  I  had  done  as 
much  for  heaven  as  I  did  for  hell,  I  had  surely  had 
it.  I  cried  out  of  the  tedious  way  of  godliness,  and 
the  painful  course  of  self-denial ;  and  yet  I  could 
be  at  a  great  deal  more  pains  for  Satan  and  for 
death.  Had  I  loved  Christ  as  strongly  as  I  did  my 
pleasures,  and  profits,  and  honors,  and  thought  on 
him  as  often,  and  sought  him  as  painfully,  O  how 
happy  had  I  now  been  !  How  justly  do  I  suffer 
the  flames  of  hell  for  buying  them  so  dear,  rather 
than  have  heaven,  when  it  was  purchased  to  my 
hands !" 

O  that  God  would  persuade  thee,  reader,  to  take 
up  these  thoughts  now,  for  preventing  the  incon- 
ceivable calamity  of  taking  them  up  in  hell  as  thy 
own  tormentor  !  Say  not  that  they  are  only  imagi- 
nary. Read  what  Dives  thought,  being  in  torments. 
As  the  joys  of  heaven  are  chiefly  enjoyed  by  the 
rational  soul  in  its  rational  actings,  so  must  the 
pains  of  hell  be  suffered.  As  they  will  be  men  still, 
so  will  they  feel  and  act  as  men. 


130  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE  MtSERY  OP  TII03E  WHO,  BKSIDES  LOSING  THE  SAIN'TS'  REST, 
LOSE  THE  ENJOYMENTS  OF  TIME,  AND  SUFFER  THK  TORMENTS 
OF   HELL. 

/.  The  enjoyments  of  time  which  the  damned  lose  :  1.  Their 
presumptuous  belief  of  their  interest  in  God  and  Christ : 
2.  All  their  hopes  ;  3,  Ml  their  peace  of  conscience  ;  4.  All 
their  car 7uil  mirth  ;  5.  »^ll  their  sensual  delights.  II.  T/ie  tor- 
ments of  the  damned  are  exceeding  great,  1.  The  principal 
Author  of  them  is  God  himself.  2.  The  place  or  state  of  tor- 
ment. 3.  These  torments  are  the  effects  of  divine  vengeance, 
4.  God  xoill  take  pleasure  in  executing  them,  5.  Satan  and, 
sinners  themselves  will  b<i  God^s  executioners.  6.  These  tor- 
ments will  be  universal;  7.  Without  any  mitigation;  8. 
And  eternal.  The  obstinate  sinner  convinced  of  his  folly  in 
venturing  on  these  torments ;  and  entreated  to  jiy  for  safety 
to  Christ. 

As  "  godliness  hath  a  promise  of  the  life  that  now 
is,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come ;"  and  if  we  "  seek 
first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteousness," 
then  all  meaner  "  things  shall  be  added  unto  us  ;" 
so  also  are  the  ungodly  threatened  with  the  loss 
both  of  spiritual  and  temporal  blessings ;  and  be- 
cause they  sought  not  first  God's  kingdom  and  right- 
eousness, therefore  shall  they  lose  both  it  and  that 
which  they  did  seek,  and  there  "  shall  be  taken 
from  them  that  little  which  they  have."  If  they 
could  but  have  kept  their  present  enjoyments,  they 
would  not  have  much  cared  for  the  loss  of  heaven. 


SUFFER    THE    TORMENTS    OF    HELL.  131 

If  they  had  "lost  and  forsaken  all  for  Christ,"  they 
would  have  found  all  again  in  him ;  for  he  would 
have  been  all  in  all  to  them»  But,  now  they  have  for- 
sook Christ  for  other  things,  they  shall  lose  Christ, 
and  that  also  for  which  they  forsook  him,  even  the 
enjoyments  of  time,  besides  suffering  the  torments 
of  helK 

FirsU  They  shall  lose  the  enjoyments  of  time  ; 
particularly  their  presumptuous  belief  of  their  inte- 
rest in  the  favor  of  God  and  the  merits  of  Christ- 
all  their  hopes — all  their  false  peace  of  conscience 
• — all  their  carnal  mirth— -and  all  their  sensual  de- 
lights. 

1.  They  shall  lose  their  'presumptuous  belief  of 
their  i/iterest  in  the  favor  of  God  and  the  vieritsof 
Christ.  This  false  belief  now  supports  their  spirits, 
and  defends  them  from  the  terrors  that  would  other- 
wise seize  upon  them.  But  what  will  ease  their 
trouble^  when  they  can  believe  no  longer,  nor  rejoice 
any  longer  1  If  a  man  be  near  to  the  greatest  mis- 
chief, and  yet  strongly  conceit  that  he  is  in  safety, 
he  may  be  as  cheerful  as  if  all  were  well.  If  there 
were  no  more  to  make  a  man  happy,  but  to  believe 
that  he  is  so>  or  shall  be  so,  happiness  would  be  far 
more  common  than  it  is  like  to  be.  As  true  faith  is 
the  leading  grace  in  the  regenerate,  so  is  false  faith 
the  leading  vice  in  the  unregenerate.  Why  do  such 
multitudes  sit  still  when  they  might  have  pardon, 
but  that  they  verily  think  tliey  are  pardoned  already  ? 


Vo'l  MlSliRY    OF   THOSE    WHO 

If  you  could  ask  thousands  in  hell,  what  madness 
brought  them  thither  ?  they  would  most  of  them  an- 
swer, "  We  made  sure  of  being  saved,  till  We  found 
ourselves  damned.  We  would  have  been  more  ear* 
nest  seekers  of  regeneration  and  the  power  of  godli* 
ness,  but  we  verily  thought  we  were  Christians  be- 
fore. We  have  flattered  ourselves  into  these  tor- 
ments, and  now  there  is  no  remedy."  Reader,  I 
must  in  faithfulness  tell  thee,  that  the  confident 
belief  of  their  good  state,  which  the  Careless,  un- 
holy, unhumbled  multitude  so  commonly  boast  of, 
will  prove  in  the  end  but  a  soul-damning  delusion. 
There  is  none  of  this  believing  in  hell.  It  was  Sa^ 
tan's  stratagem,  that  being  blindfold,  they  might  fol* 
loAV  him  the  more  boldly ;  but  then  be  will  uncover 
their  eyes,  and  they  shall  see  where  they  are. 

2.  They  shall  lose  also  all  their  hopes.  In  this 
life,  though  they  were  threatened  with  the  wrath  of 
God,  yet  their  hope  of  escaping  it  bore  up  their 
hearts.  We  can  now  scarce  speak  with  the  vilest 
drunkard,  or  swearer,  or  scoffer,  but  he  hopes  to  be 
saved,  for  all  this.  O  happy  world,  if  salvation  were 
as  common  as  this  hope  !  Nay,  so  strong  are  men's 
hopes,  that  they  will  dispute  the  cause  with  Christ 
himself  at  judgment,  and  plead  their  "having  ato 
and  drank  in  his  presence,  and  prophesied  in  his 
name,  and  in  his  name  cast  out  devils ;"  they  will 
stiffly  deny  that  ever  they  neglected  Christ  in  hun- 
ger, nakedness,  or  in  prison,  till  he  confutes  them 


SUFFER    THE    TORMENTS   OF   HELL.  133 

with  the  sentence  of  their  condemnation.  O  the  sad 
fitate  of  those  men,  when  they  must  bid  farewell  to 
all  their  hopes  f  "  When  a  wicked  man  dieth  his 
expectation  shall  perish ;  and  the  hope  of  unjust 
men  perisheth.  The  eyes  of  the  wicked  shall  faily 
and  they  shall  not  escape,  and  their  hope  shall  be  as 
the  giving  up  of  the  ghost."  The  giving  up  the 
ghost  is  a  fit,  but  terrible  resemblance  of  a  wicked 
man  giving  Up  his  hopes.  As  the  soul  departeth 
not  from  the  body  without  the  greatest  pain,  so  doth 
the  hope  of  the  wicked  depart.  The  soul  departs 
from  the  body  suddenly,  in  a  moment,  which  hath 
there  delightfully  continued  so  many  years ;  just  so 
doth  the  hope  of  the  wicked  depart.  The  soul  will 
never  more  return  to  live  with  the  body  in  this  world  J 
and  the  hope  of  the  wicked  takes  an  everlasting  fare- 
well of  his  soul.  A  miracle  of  resurrection  shall 
Again  unite  soul  and  body,  but  there  shall  be  no  such 
miraculous  resurrection  of  the  damned's  hope,  Me^ 
thinks  it  is  the  most  pitiabki  sight  this  world  affords, 
to  see  such  an  ungodly  person  dying,  and  to  think 
of  his  soul  and  his  hopes  departmg  together.  With 
what  a  sad  change  he  appears  in  another  world ! 
Then  if  a  man  could  but  ask  that  hopeless  soul, 
•'  Are  you  as  confident  of  salvation  as  you  were  wont 
to  be  ?"  what  a  sad  answer  would  be  returned  !  O 
thajt  careless  sinners  would  be  awakened  to  think  of 
this  in  time  !  Reader,  rest  not  till  thou  canst  givu* 
a  reason  of  all  thy  hopes  grounded  upon  Scripture 
s.  R.  12 


134  MISErV    of    TllOSt    WHO 

promises :  that  they  purify  thy  heart ;  that  they 
quicken  thy  endeavors  in  godliness ;  that  the  more 
thou  hopest  the  less  thou  sirinest,  and  the  more  ex- 
act is  thy  obedience.  If  thy  hopes  be  such  as  these, 
go  on  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord,  hold  fast  thy  hope, 
and  "  never  shall  it  make  thee  ashamed."  But  if 
thou  hast  not  one  sound  evidence  of  a  work  of  grace 
on  thy  soul,  cast  away  thy  hopes.  Despair  of  ever 
being  saved,  "  except  thou  be  born  again ;"  or  of 
"seeing  God,  Avithout  holiness;"  or  of 'having  part 
in  Christ,  except  thou  "  love  him  above  father,  mo- 
ther, or  thy  own  life."  This  kind  of  despair  is  one 
of  the  first  steps  to  heaven.  If  a  man  be  quite  out  of 
his  way,  what  must  be  the  first  means  to  bring  him 
in  again  ?  He  must  despair  of  ever  coming  to  his 
journey's  end  in  the  way  that  he  is  in.  If  his  home 
be  eastward,  and  he  is  going  westward,  as  long  as 
he  hopes  he  is  right,  he  will  go  on ;  and  as  long  as 
he  goes  on  hoping,  he  goes  further  amiss.  When  he 
despairs  of  coming  home,  except  he  turn  back,  then 
he  will  return,  and  then  he  may  hope.  Just  so  it  is, 
sinner,  with  thy  soul :  thou  art  born  out  of  the  way 
to  heaven,  and  hast  proceeded  many  a  year ;  thou  go- 
cst  on  and  hopest  to  be  saved,  because  thou  art  not 
so  bad  as  many  others.  Except  thou  throw  away 
those  hopes,  and  sec  that  thou  hast  all  this  while  been 
(juite  out  of  the  way  to  heaven,  thou  wilt  never  re- 
turn and  be  saved.  There  is  nothing  in  the  world 
more  likely  to  keep  thy  soul  out  of  heaven  than  thy 


SUFFER    THE    TORMENTS    OF    HELL.  135 

false  hopes  of  being  saved,  while  ihou  art  out  of  the 
way  to  salvation.  See  then  how  it  will  aggravate 
the  misery  of  the  damned,  that,  with  the  loss  of  hea- 
ven, they  shall  lose  all  that  hope  of  it  which  now 
supports  them. 

3.  They  will  lose  all  that  false  peace  of  con- 
science which  makes  their  present  life  so  easy.  Who 
would  think,  that  sees  how  quietly  the  mukitude  of 
the  ungodly  live,  that  they  must  very  shortly  lie 
do^vn  in  everlasting  flames  1  They  are  as  free  from 
the  fears  of  hell  as  an  obedient  believer ;  and  for  the 
most  part  have  less  disquiet  of  mind  than  those  who 
shall  be  saved.  Happy  men,  if  this  peace  would 
prove  lasting !  "  When  they  shall  say.  Peace  and 
safety ;  then  sudden  destruction  cometh  upon  them, 
as  travail  upon  a  woman  with  child ;  and  they  shall 
not  escape."  O  cruel  peace,  which  ends  in  such  a 
war !  The  soul  of  every  man  by  nature  is  Satan's 
garrison ;  all  is  at  peace  in  such  a  man  till  Christ 
comes  and  gives  it  terrible  alarms  of  judgment  and 
hell,  batters  it  with  the  ordnance  of  his  threats  and 
terrors,  forces  it  to  yield  to  his  mere  n  ercy,  and  take 
him  for  the  Governor ;  then  doth  he  cast  out  Satan, 
"  overcome  him,  take  from  him  all  his  armor  where- 
in he  trusted,  and  divideth  his  spoils,"  and  then  doth 
he  establish  a  firm  and  lasting  peace.  If,  therefore, 
thou  art  yet  in  that  first  peace,  never  think  it  will 
endure.  Can  thy  soul  have  lasting  peace,  in  enmity 
with  Christ?    Can  he  have  peace,  against  whom 


13G  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

God  proclaims  war  ?  I  wish  thee  no  greater  good, 
than  that  God  break  in  upon  thy  careless  heart,  and 
shake  thee  out  of  thy  false  peace,  and  make  thee  lie 
down  at  the  feet  of  Christ,  and  say,  "  Lord,  what 
wouldst  thou  have  me  to  do  ?"  and  so  receive  from 
him  a  better  and  surer  peace,  which  will  never  be 
quite  broken,  but  be  the  beginning  of  thy  everlasting 
peace,  and  not  perish  in  thy  perishing,  as  the  ground  - 
less  peace  of  the  world  will  do. 

4.  They  shall  lose  all  their  carnal  mirth.  They 
will  themselves  say  of  their  "  laughter,  it  is  mad ; 
and  of  their  mirth,  what  doeth  it?"  It  was  but  "as 
the  crackling  of  thorns  under  a  pot,"  It  made  a 
blaze  for  a  while,  but  it  was  presently  gone,  and  re- 
turned no  more.  The  talk  of  death  and  judgment 
was  irksome  to  them,  because  it  damped  their  mirth. 
They  could  not  endure  to  think  of  their  sin  and  dan- 
ger, because  these  thoughts  sunk  their  spirits.  They 
knew  not  what  it  was  to  weep  for  sin,  or  to  humble 
themselves  under  the  mighty  hand  of  God.  They 
could  laugh  away  sorrow,  and  sing  away  cares,  and 
drive  away  those  melancholy  thoughts.  To  meditate 
and  pray,  they  fancied,  would  be  enough  to  make 
them  miserable,  or  run  mad.  Poor  souls,  what  a 
misery  will  that  life  be,  where  you  shall  have  no- 
thing but  sorrow — intense,  heart-piercing,  multiplied 
sorrow;  when  you  shall  neither  have  the  joys  of 
Baints,  nor  your  owa  former  joys !  Do  you  think 
there  is  one  merry  heart  in  hell  ?  or  one  joyful  coun- 


SUFFER    THE    TORMENTS    OF    HELL.  137 

tenance  or  jesting  tongue  ?  You  now  cry,  "  A  little 
mirth  is  worth  a  great  deal  of  sorrow."  But  surely 
a  little  godly  sorrow,  which  would  have  ended  in 
eternal  joy,  had  been  worth  much  more  than  all  your 
foolish  mirth ;  for  the  end  of  such  mirth  is  sorrow.' 

5.  They  shall  also  lose  all  their  sensual  delights. 
That  which  they  esteemed  their  chief  good,  their 
heaven,  their  god,  must  they  lose,  as  well  as  God 
himself  What  a  fall  will  the  proud,  ambitious  man 
have  from  the  top  of  his  honors  !  As  his  dust  and 
bones  will  not  be  known  from  the  dust  and  bones 
of  the  poorest  beggar,  so  neither  will  his  soul  be 
honored  or  favored  more  than  theirs.  What  a  num- 
ber of  the  great,  noble,  and  learned  will  be  shut 
out  from  the  presence  of  Christ !  They  shall  not 
find  their  magnificent  buildings,  soft  beds,  and  easy 
couches.  They  shall  not  view  their  curious  gar- 
dens, their  pleasant  meadows,  and  plenteous  harvests. 
Their  tables  will  not  be  so  furnished  nor  attended. 
The  rich  man  is  there  no  more  "  clothed  in  purple 
and  fine  linen,  nor  fareth  sumptuously  every  day." 
There  is  no  expecting  the  admiration  of  beholders. 
They  shall  spend  their  time  in  sadness,  and  not  in 
sports  and  pastimes.  What  an  alteration  will  they 
then  find !  The  heat  of  their  lust  Avill  be  then  abat- 
ed. How  will  it  even  cut  them  to  the  heart  to  look 
each  other  in  the  face !  What  an  interview  will  there 
then  be,  cursing  the  day  that  ever  they  saw  one  an- 
other !    O  that  sinners  would  now  remember  and  say, 

s.   R.  12* 


138  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

'•  Will  these  delights  accompany  us  into  the  other 
world  ?  Will  not  the  remembrance  of  them  be  then 
our  torment?  Shall  we  then  take  this  partnership  in 
vice  for  true  friendship?  Why  should  we  sell  such 
lasting,  incomprehensible  joys  for  a  taste  of  seeming 
pleasure  1  Come,  as  we  have  sinned  together,  let  us 
pray  together,  that  God  would  pardon  us ;  and  let 
us  help  one  another  toward  heaven,  instead  of  help- 
ing to  deceive  and  destroy  each  other."  O  that  men 
knew  but  what  they  desire,  when  they  would  so  fain 
have  all  things  suited  to  the  desires  of  the  flesh  !  It 
is  but  to  desire  their  temptations  to  be  increased  and 
their  snares  strengthened. 

Secondly.  As  the  loss  of  the  saints'  rest  will  be 
aggravated  by  losing  the  enjoyments  of  time,  it  will 
be  much  more  so  by  suffering  the  torments  of  hell. 
The  exceeding  greatness  of  such  torments  may  ap- 
pear, by  considering  the  principal  Author  of  them, 
who  is  God  himself — the  place  or  state  of  torment — 
that  these  torments  are  the  fruit  of  divine  vengeance 
— that  the  Almighty  takes  pleasure  in  them — that 
Satan  and  sinners  themselves  shall  be  God's  execu- 
tioners— that  these  torments  shall  be  universal,  with- 
out mitigation  and  without  end. 

1.  The  principal  Author  of  hell-torments  is  God 
himself  As  it  was  no  less  than  God  whom  the  sin- 
ners had  offended,  so  it  is  no  less  than  God  who  will 
punish  them  for  their  offences.  He  hath  prepared 
those  torments  for  his  enemies.  His  continued  anger 


SUFFER    THE    TORMENTS    OF    HELL.  139 

will  Still  be  devouring  them.  His  breath  of  indigna- 
tion will  kindle  the  flames.  His  wrath  will  be  an  in- 
tolerable burden  to  their  souls.  If  it  were  but  a  crea- 
ture they  had  to  do  with,  they  might  better  bear  it. 
Wo  to  him  that  falls  under  the  strokes  of  the  Al- 
mighty !  "  It  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the  hands 
of  the  livnig  God,"  It  were  nothing  in  comparison 
to  this,  if  ail  the  world  were  against  them,  or  if  the 
strength  of  all  creatures  were  united  in  one  to  inflict 
their  penalty.  They  had  now  rather  venture  to  dis- 
please God  than  displease  a  landlord,  a  customer,  a 
master,  a  friend,  a  neighbor,  or  their  own  flesh ;  but 
then  they  will  wish  a  thousand  times  in  vain,  that 
they  had  been  hated  of  all  the  world,  rather  than 
have  lost  the  favor  of  God.  What  a  consuming  fire 
is  his  wrath  !  If  it  be  kindled  here  but  a  little,  how 
do  we  "  wither  like  the  grass  !"  How  soon  doth  our 
strength  decay  and  turn  to  weakness,  and  our  beauty 
to  deformity  !  The  flames  do  not  so  easily  run 
through  the  dry  stubble,  as  the  wrath  of  God  will 
consume  these  wretches.  They  that  could  not  bear 
a  prison,  or  a  gibbet,  or  a  fire  for  Christ,  nor  scarce 
a  few  scoffs,  how  will  they  now  bear  the  devouring 
flames  of  divine  wrath  ? 

2.  The  jflace  or  state  of  torment  is  purposely  or- 
dained to  glorify  the  justice  of  God.  When  God 
would  glorify  his  power,  he  made  the  worlds.  The 
comely  order  of  all  his  creatures  declareth  his  wis- 
dom.     His  providence  is  shown  in  sustaining  all 


MO  MISERY    0¥    THOSE    WHO 

things.  When  a  spark  of  his  wrath  kindles  upon 
the  earth,  the  whole  world,  except  only  eight  per- 
sons, are  drowned ;  Sodom,  Gomorrah,  Admah,  and 
Zeboim  are  burnt  with  iire  from  heaven ;  the  sea 
shuts  her  mouth  upon  some,  the  earth  opens  and 
swallows  up  others ;  the  pestilence  destroys  by  thou- 
sands. What  a  standing  witness  of  the  wrath  of  God 
is  the  present  deplorable  state  of  the  Jews  !  Yet  the 
glorifying  the  mercy  and  justice  of  God  is  intended 
most  eminently  for  the  life  to  come.  As  God  Avill 
then  glorify  his  mercy  in  a  way  that  is  now  beyond 
the  comprehension  of  the  saints  that  must  enjoy  it ; 
so  also  will  he  manifest  his  justice  to  be  indeed  the 
justice  of  God.  The  everlasting  flames  of  hell  will 
not  be  thought  too  hot  for  the  rebellious ;  and,  when 
they  have  there  burned  through  millions  of  ages,  he 
will  not  repent  him  of  the  evil  which  has  befallen 
them.  Wo  to  the  soul  that  is  thus  set  up  as  a  butt 
for  the  wrath  of  the  Almighty  to  shoot  at !  and  as  a 
bush  that  must  burn  in  the  flames  of  his  jealousy, 
and  never  be  consumed ! 

3.  The  torments  of  the  damned  must  be  ex- 
treme, because  they  are  the  effect  of  divine  ven- 
geance. Wrath  is  terrible,  but  revenge  is  implacable. 
When  the  great  God  shall  say,  "  My  rebellious 
creatures  shall  now  pay  for  all  the  abuse  of  my  pa- 
tience; remember  how  I  waited  your  leisure  in 
vain,  how  I  stooped  to  persuade  and  entreat  you  ; 
did  vou  think  I  would  always  be  so  sliglited  ?"  then 


SUFFER    THE    TORMEN'TS    OF    HELL.  141 

will  he  be  revenged  for  every  abused  mercy,  and 
for  all  their  neglects  of  Christ  and  grace.  O  that 
men  would  foresee  this,  and  please  God  better  in 
preventing  their  wo ! 

4.  Consider  also,  that,  though  God  had  rather 
men  would  accept  of  Christ  and  mercy,  yet,  when 
they  persist  in  rebellion,  he  will  take  ^pleasure  in 
their  execution.  He  tells  us,  "  Fury  is  not  in  me  ;" 
yet  he  adds,  "  Who  would  set  the  briers  and  thorns 
against  me  in  battle ;  I  would  go  through  them,  I 
would  burn  them  together."  Wretched  creatures  ! 
when  "  he  that  made  them  will  not  have  mercy  upon 
them,  and  he  that  formed  them  will  show  them  no 
favor.  As  the  Lord  rejoiced  over  them  to  do  them 
good ;  so  the  Lord  will  rejoice  over  them  to  destroy 
them,  and  bring  them  to  nought."  Wo  to  the  souls 
whom  God  rejoiceth  to  punish :  "  He  will  laugh  at 
their  calamity,  he  will  mock  when  their  fear  cometh ; 
when  their  fear  cometh  as  desolation,  and  their  de- 
struction cometh  as  a  whirlwind ;  when  distress  and 
anguish  cometh  upon  them."  Terrible  thing,  when 
none  in  heaven  or  earth  can  help  them  but  God, 
and  he  shall  rejoice  in  their  calamity !  Though 
Scripture  speaks  of  God's  laughing  and  mocking, 
not  literally,  but  after  the  manner  of  men ;  yet  it  is 
an  act  of  God  in  tormenting  the  sinner,  which  can- 
not otherwise  be  more  fitly  expressed. 

5.  Consider  that  Satan  and  themselves  shall  he 
God^s  executioners.    He  that  was  here  so  successful 


142  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

in  drawing  them  from  Christ,  will  then  be  the  in- 
strument of  their  punishment  for  yielding  to  his 
temptations.  That  is  the  reward  he  will  give  them 
for  all  their  service ;  for  their  rejecting  the  com- 
mands of  God,  forsaking  Christ,  and  neglecting  their 
souls  at  his  persuasion.  If  they  had  served  Christ 
as  faithfully  ar,  they  did  Satan,  he  would  have 
given  them  a  better  reward.  It  is  also  most  just 
that  they  should  be  their  own  tormentors  ;  that  they 
may  see  their  whole  destruction  is  of  themselves; 
and  then,  whom  can  they  complain  of  but  themselves  ? 
6.  Consider  also  that  their  torment  will  be  uni- 
versal. As  all  parts  have  joined  in  sin,  so  must 
they  all  partake  in  the  torment.  The  soul,  as  it  was 
the  chief  in  sinning,  shall  be  the  chief  in  suffering; 
and  as  it  is  of  a  more  excellent  nature  than  the  body, 
so  will  its  torments  far  exceed  bodily  torments  ;  and 
as  its  joys  far  surpass  all  sensual  pleasures,  so  the 
pains  of  the  soul  exceed  corporeal  pains.  It  is  not 
only  a  soul,  but  a  sinful  soul  that  must  suffer.  Fire 
w-ill  not  burn,  except  the  fuel  be  combustible  :  but  if 
the  wood  be  dry,  how  fiercely  will  it  burn  !  The  guilt 
of  their  sins  will  be  to  damned  souls  like  tinder  to 
gunpowder,  to  make  the  flames  of  hell  take  hold  up- 
on them  with  fury.  The  body  must  also  bear  its  part. 
That  body  which  w^as  so  carefully  looked  to,  so  ten- 
derly cherished,  so  curiously  dressed,  what  must  it 
now  endure  !  How  are  its  haughty  looks  now  taken 
down  I  How  little  will  those  flames  reofard  its  come- 


i 


SUFFEPc    THE    TORMENTS    OF    HELL.  143 

liness  and  beauty  !  Those  eyes,  which  were  wont 
to  be  delighted  with  curious  sights,  must  then  see 
nothing  but  what  shall  terrify  them  !  an  angry  God 
above  them,  with  those  saints  whom  they  scorned, 
enjoying  the  glory  which  they  have  lost ;  and  about 
them  will  be  only  devils  and  damned  souls.  How 
will  they  look  back  and  say,  "  Are  all  our  feasts, 
and  games,  and  revels,  come  to  this  ?-"  Those  ears, 
which  w^ere  accustomed  to  music  and  songs,  shall 
hear  the  shrieks  and  cries  of  their  damned  com- 
panions ;  children  crying  out  against  their  parents, 
that  gave  them  encouragement  and  example  in  evil ; 
husbands  and  wives,  masters  and  servants,  ministers 
and  people,  magistrates  and  subjects,  charging  their 
misery  upon  one  another,  for  discouraging  in  duty, 
conniving  at  sin,  and  being  silent  when  they  should 
have  plainly  foretold  the  danger.  Thus  will  soul 
and  body  be  companions  in  wo. 

7.  Far  greater  wnll  these  torments  be,  because 
without  mitigatwn.  In  this  life,  when  told  of  hell, 
or  if  conscience  troubled  their  peace,  they  had  com- 
forters at  hand ;  their  carnal  friends,  their  business, 
their  company,  their  mirth.  They  could  drink,  play, 
or  sleep  away  their  sorrows.  But  now  all  these 
remedies  are  vanished.  Their  hard,  presumptuous, 
unbelieving  heart  was  a  wall  to  defend  them  against 
trouble  of  mind.  Satan  was  himself  their  comforter, 
as  he  was  to  our  first  mother :  *'  Hath  God  said,  ye 
shall  not  eat  ?  ye  shall  not  surely  die.     Doth  God 


144  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

fell  ycm  that  you  shall  lie  in  hell  ?  it  is  no  $tidi 
matter  j  God  is  more  merciful  Or,  if  there  be  a 
hell,  what  need  you  fear  it  ?  Arc  not  you  Chris- 
tians ?  Was  not  the  blood  of  Christ  shed  for  you  ?" 
Thus  as  the  Spirit  of  Christ  is  the  comforter  of  the 
saints,  so  Satan  is  the  comforter  of  the  wicked. 
Never  was  a  thief  more  careful  lest  he  should  awake 
the  people  when  he  is  robbing  the  house,  than  Sa- 
tan is  not  to  awaken  a  sinner.  But  when  the  sin" 
ner  is  dead,  then  Satan  hath  done  flattering  and 
comforting.  Which  way,  then,  will  the  forlorn  sin- 
ner look  for  comfort?  They  that  drew  him  into 
the  snare,  and  promised  him  safety,  now  forsake 
him,  and  are  forsaken  themselves.  His  comforts 
are  gone,  and  the  righteous  God,  whose  forewarn^ 
ings  he  made  light  of,  will  now  make  good  hi's 
word  against  him  to  the  least  tittle, 

8,  But  the  greatest  aggravation  of  these  torments 
will  be  their  eternity.  When  a  thousand  million-s 
of  ages  are  past,  they  are  as  fresh  to  begin  as  the 
first  day.  If  there  were  any  hope  of  an  end,  h 
would  ease  the  damned  to  foresee  it;  but  For  ever 
is  an  intolerable  thought !  They  were  never  weary 
of  sinning,  nor  will  God  be  weary  of  puni:5hing. 
They  never  heartily  repented  of  sin,  nor  will  God 
repent  of  their  suffering.  They  broke  the  laws  of 
the  eternal  God,  and  therefore  shall  suffer  eternal 
punishment.  They  knew  it  was  an  everlasting 
kingdom  which  they  refused,  and  what  wonder  it 


SUFFER    THE    TORMENTS    OF    HELL.  145 

they  are  everlastingly  shut  out  of  it?  Their  immor- 
tal souls  were  guilty  of  the  trespass,  and  therefore 
must  immortally  suffer  the  pains.  What  happy  men 
would  they  think  themselves,  if  they  might  have  lain 
still  in  their  graves,  or  might  but  there  lie  down 
again !  How  will  they  call  and  cry,  "  O  death,  whi- 
ther art  thou  now  gone  ?  Now  come  and  cut  off  this 
doleful  life.  O  that  these  pains  would  break  my 
heart,  and  end  my  being !  O  that  I  might  once  at 
last  die!  O  that  I  had  never  had  a  being  !"  These 
groans  will  the  thoughts  of  eternity  wring  from 
their  hearts.  They  were  wont  to  think  sermons  and 
prayers  long ;  how  long  then  will  they  think  these 
endless  torments  !  What  difference  is  there  betwixt 
the  length  of  their  pleasures  and  their  pains  !  The 
one  continued  but  a  moment,  the  other  endureth 
through  all  eternity.  Sinner,  remember  how  time 
is  almost  gone.  Thou  art  standing  at  the  door  of 
eternity ;  and  death  is  waiting  to  open  the  door,  and 
put  thee  in.  Go,  sleep  out  a  few  more  nights,  and 
stir  about  a  few  more  days  on  earth,  and  then  thy 
nights  and  days  shall  end :  thy  thoughts,  and  cares, 
and  pleasures  shall  all  be  devoured  by  eternity; 
thou  must  enter  upon  the  state  which  shall  never  be 
changed.  As  the  joys  of  heaven  are  beyond  our  con- 
ception, so  are  the  pains  of  hell.  Everlasting  tor- 
ment is  inconceivable  torment. 

But  methinks  I  see  the  obstinate  sinner  desperately 
resolving,  '•  If  I  must  be  damned,  there  is  no  remedy, 

s.  R.  13 


146  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

Rather  than  I  will  live  as  the  Scripture  requires,  I 
will  put  it  to  the  venture ;  I  shall  escape  as  well  as 
the  rest  of  my  neighbors,  and  we  will  even  bear  it  as 
well  as  we  can."  Alas !  poor  creature,  let  me  beg- 
this  of  thee,  before  thou  dost  so  flatly  resolve,  that 
thou  wouldst  lend  me  thy  attention  to  a  few  ques* 
tions,  and  weigh  them  with  the  reason  of  a  man. 
Who  art  thou,  that  thou  shouldst  bear  the  wrath  of 
God  ?  What  is  thy  strength  ?  Is  it  not  as  the  strength 
of  wax  or  stubble  to  resist  the  fire ;  or  as  chaff  to  the 
wind ;  or  as  dust  before  the  fierce  whirlwind  ?  If  thy 
strength  were  as  iron,  and  thy  bones  as  brass  j  if  thy 
foundation  were  as  the  earth,  and  thy  power  as  the 
heavens,  yet  shouldst  thou  perish  at  the  breath  of  his 
indignation.  How  much  more,  when  thou  art  but 
a  piece  of  breathing  clay,  kept  a  few  days  from 
being  eaten  with  worms,  by  the  mere  support  and 
favor  of  him  w^hom  thou  art  thus  resisting !  Why 
dost  thou  tremble  at  the  signs  of  almighty  power  and 
wrath  ?  at  claps  of  thunder,  or  flashes  of  lightning ; 
or  that  unseen  power  which  rends  in  pieces  the 
mighty  oaks,  and  tears  down  the  strongest  buildings ; 
or  at  the  plague,  when  it  rageth  around  thee  ?  If 
thou  hadst  seen  the  plagues  of  Egypt,  or  the  earth 
swallow  up  Dathan  and  Abiram,  or  Elijah  bring  fire 
from  heaven  to  destroy  the  captains  and  their  com- 
panies, would  not  any  of  these  sights  have  daunted 
thy  spirit  ?  How  then  caast  thou  bear  the  plagues  of 
hell  ?  Why  art  thou  dismayed  with  such  small  suf- 


SUFFER    THE    TORMENTS    OF    HELL.  147 

ferings  as  befall  thee  here  ?  a  toothach,  a  fit  of  the 
gout  or  stone,  the  loss  of  a  limb,  or  falling  into  beg- 
gary and  disgrace  ?  And  yet  all  these  laid  together 
will  be  one  day  accounted  a  happy  state,  in  compari- 
son of  that  which  is  suffered  in  hell.  Why  does  the 
approach  of  death  so  much  affright  thee  ?  O  how 
cold  it  strikes  to  thy  heart!  And  would  not  the 
grave  be  accounted  a  paradise,  compared  with  that 
place  of  torment  which  thou  slightest  ?  Is  it  an  into- 
lerable thing  to  burn  part  of  thy  body  by  holding 
it  in  the  fire  ?  What,  then,  will  it  be  to  suffer  ten 
thousand  times  more  for  ever  in  hell !  The  thought 
or  mention  of  hell  occasions  disquiet  in  thy  spirit ; 
and  canst  thou  endure  the  torments  themselves? 
Why  doth  the  rich  man  complain  to  Abraham  of 
his  torments  in  hell?  or  thy  dying  companions  lose 
their  courage,  and  change  their  haughty  language  1 
Why  cannot  these  make  as  light  of  hell  as  thyself? 
Didst  thou  never  see  or  speak  with  a  man  under  de- 
spair ?  How  uncomfortable  was  his  talk  !  how  bur- 
densome his  life!  Nothing  he  possessed  did  him 
good :  he  had  no  sweetness  in  meat  or  drink ;  the 
sight  of  friends  troubled  him  ;  he  was  weary  of  life, 
and  fearful  of  death.  If  the  misery  of  the  damned 
can  be  endured,  why  cannot  a  man  more  easily  en- 
'dure  these  foretastes  of  hell  ?  What  if  thou  shouldst 
see  the  devil  appear  to  thee  in  some  terrible  shape ! 
Would  not  thy  heart  fail  thee,  and  thy  hair  stand  on 
an  end  ?  And  how  wilt  thou  endure  to  live  for  ever 


148  MISERY    OF    THOSE    WHO 

where  thou  shall  have  no  other  company  but  devils 
and  the  damned,  and  shah  not  only  see  them,  but  be 
tormented  with  them  and  by  them  ?  Let  me  once 
more  ask,  if  the  wrath  of  Grod  be  so  light,  why 
did  the  Son  of  God  himself  make  so  great  a  matter 
of  it  ?  It  made  him  "  sweat,  as  it  were,  great  drops 
of  blood  falling  down  to  the  ground."  The  Lord  of 
life  cried,  "  My  soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful,  even 
unto  death."  And  on  the  cross,  "  My  God,  my  God, 
why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?"  Surely  if  any  one 
could  have  borne  these  sufferings  easily,  it  would 
have  been  Jesus  Christ.  He  had  another  measure 
of  strength  to  bear  it  than  thou  hast.  Wo  to  thee, 
sinner,  for  thy  mad  security !  Dost  thou  think  to 
find  that  tolerable  to  thee,  which  was  so  heavy  to 
Christ  ?  Nay,  the  Son  of  God  is  cast  into  a  bitter 
agony  and  bloody  sweat,  only  under  the  curse  of  the 
law ;  and  yet  thou,  feeble,  foolish  creature,  makest 
nothing  to  bear  also  the  curse  of  the  Gospel,  which 
requires  a  much  sorer  punishment.  The  good  Lord 
bring  thee  to  thy  right  mind  by  repentance,  lest  thou 
buy  thy  wit  at  too  dear  a  rate  ! 

And  now,  reader,  I  demand  thy  resolution.  What 
use  wilt  thou  make  of  all  this  1  Shall  it  be  lost  to 
thee  ?  or  wilt  thou  consider  it  in  good  earnest  1  Thou 
hast  cast  away  many  a  warning  of  God  ;  wilt  thou 
do  so  by  this  also  ?  Take  heed ;  God  will  not  al- 
ways stand  warning  and  threatening.  The  hand  of 
revenge  is  lifted  up,  the  blow  is  coming,  and  wo  to 


SUFFER    THE    TORMENTS    OF    HELL.  149 

him  on  whom  it  lighteth  !  Dost  thou  throw  away 
the  book,  and  say  it  speaks  of  nothing  but  hell  and 
damnation  ?  Thus  thou  usedst  also  to  complain  of 
the  preacher.  But  wouldst  thou  not  have  us  to  tell 
thee  of  these  things  ?  Should  we  be  guilty  of  the 
blood  of  thy  soul,  by  keeping  silent  that  which  God 
hath  charged  us  to  make  knoA\Ti?  Wouldst  thou  pe- 
rish in  ease  and  silence,  and  have  us  to  perish  with 
thee,  rather  than  displease  thee  by  speaking  the 
truth  ?  If  thou  wilt  be  guilty  of  such  inhuman  cru- 
elty, God  forbid  we  should  be  guilty  of  such  sottish 
folly !  This  kind  of  preaching  or  writing  is  the  ready 
way  to  be  hated ;  and  the  desire  of  applause  is  so 
natural,  that  few  delight  in  such  a  displeasing  way. 
But  consider,  are  these  things  true,  or  are  they  not? 
If  they  were  not  true,  I  would  heartily  join  with  thee 
against  any  that  fright  people  without  a  cause.  But 
if  these  threatenings  be  the  word  of  God,  what  a 
wretch  art  thou,  that  wilt  not  hear  it  and  consider  it ! 
If  thou  art  one  of  the  people  of  God,  this  doctrine 
will  be  a  comfort  to  thee,  and  not  a  terror.  If  thou 
art  yet  unregenerate,  methinks  thou  shouldst  be  as 
fearful  to  hear  of  heaven  as  of  hell,  except  the  bare 
name  of  heaven  or  salvation  be  sufficient.  Preach- 
ing heaven  and  mercy  to  thee  is  entreating  thee  to 
seek  them,  and  not  reject  them ;  and  preaching  hell 
is  but  to  persuade  thee  to  avoid  it.  If  thou  wert  ouite 
past  hope  of  escapmg  it,  then  it  were  in  vain  to  tell 
thee  of  hell ;  but  as  long  as  thou  art  alive,  there  is 
s.   R.  13* 


150  MISERY    OF    THOSE,  &c 

hope  of  thy  recovery,  and  therefore  all  means  must 
be  used  to  awake  thee  from  thy  lethargy.  Alas ! 
what  heart  can  now  possibly  conceive,  or  what  tongue 
express,  the  pains  of  those  souls  that  are  under  the 
wrath  of  God !  Then,  sinners,  you  will  be  crying 
to  Jesus  Christ,  "  O  mercy  !  O  pity,  pity  on  a  poor 
soui  1"  Why,  I  do  now,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  cry  to  thee,  "  O,  have  mercy,  have  pity,  man, 
upon  thy  own  soul !"  Shall  God  pity  thee,  who  wilt 
not  be  entreated  to  pity  thyself?  If  thy  horse  see 
but  a  pit  before  him,  thou  canst  scarcely  force  him 
in;  and  wilt  thou  so  obstinately  cast  thyself  into 
hell,  when  the  danger  is  foretold  thee  ?  "  Who  can 
stand  before  the  indignation  of  the  Lord  ?  and  who 
can  abide  the  fierceness  of  his  anger?"  Methinks 
thou  shouldst  need  no  more  words,  but  presently 
cast  away  thy  soul-damning  sins,  and  wholly  deli- 
ver up  thyself  to  Christ.  Resolve  on  it  immediate- 
ly, and  let  it  be  done,  that  I  may  see  thy  face  in  rest 
among  the  saints.  May  the  Lord  persuade  thy  heart 
to  strike  this  covenant  without  any  longer  delay  ! 
But  if  thou  be  hardened  unto  death,  and  there  be  no 
remedy,  yet  say  not  another  day  but  that  thou  wast 
faithfully  warned,  and  hadst  a  friend  that  would  fain 
have  prevented  thy  damnation. 


THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING,   &c.  151 

CHAPTER  VII. 

THE  NECESSITY   OF  DILIGENTLY  SEEKING  THE  SAINTs'  REST. 

1.  The  saints'  rest  surprisingly  neglected.  The  author  mourns 
the  neglect^  and  excites  the  reader  to  diligence,  by  consider- 
ing, 1.  Tlie  ends  we  aim  at,  the  work  we  have  to  do,  the  short- 
ness and  uncertainty  of  our  time,  and  the  diligence  of  our 
enemies ;  2.  Our  talents,  mercies,  relations  to  God,  and  our 
affiictions ;  3.  What  assistances  vje  have,  what  principles  we 
profess,  and  our  certainty  never  to  do  enough ;  4.  That  every 
grace  tends  to  diligence,  and  to  trifle  is  lost  labor ;  that  much 
time  is  misspent,  and  that  our  recompense  and  labor  will  be 
proportionable  ;  5.  That  striving  is  the  divine  appointment ; 
all  men  do  or  will  approve  it ;  the  best  Christians,  at  death, 
lament  their  want  of  it ;  Jieaven  is  often  lost  for  want  of  it, 
but  never  obtained  without  it ;  6.  God,  Christ,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit  are  in  earnest ;  God  is  so  in  hearing  and  answering 
prayer ;  ministers  in  their  instructions  and  exhortations ;  all 
the  creatures  in  serving  us ;  sinners  m  serving  the  devil,  as 
we  vjere  once,  and  now  are,  in  worldly  things,  and  in  heaven 
and  liell  are  all  in  earnest. 

1.  If  there  be  so  certain  and  glorious  a  rest  for 
the  saints,  why  is  there  no  more  industrious  seeking 
after  it  ?  One  would  think,  if  a  man  did  but  once 
hear  of  such  unspeakable  glory  to  be  obtained,  and 
believed  what  he  heard  to  be  true,  he  would  be  trans- 
ported with  the  vehemency  of  his  desire  after  it,  and 
would  almost  forget  to  eat  and  drink,  and  would  care 
for  nothing  else,  and  speak  of  and  inquire  after  no- 
thing else,  but  how  to  get  this  treasure.    And  yet 


152  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

people  who  hear  of  it  daily,  and  profess  to  believe 
it  as  a  fundamental  article  of  their  faith,  do  as  little 
mind  it,  or  labor  for  it,  as  if  they  had  never  heard  of 
any  such  thing,  or  did  not  believe  one  word  they 
hear.  This  reproof  is  more  particularly  applicable 
to  the  worldly-minded,  the  profane  muhitude,  the 
formal  professors,  and  even  the  godly  themselves. 

The  uwrldly-minded  are  so  taken  up  in  seeking 
the  things  below,  that  they  have  neither  heart  nor 
time  to  seek  this  rest.  0  foolish  sinners,  who  hath 
bewitched  you  ?  The  world  bewitches  men  into 
brute  beasts,  and  draws  them  some  degrees  beyond 
madness.  See  what  riding  and  running,  what  scram- 
bling and  catching  for  a  thing  of  nought,  while  eter- 
nal rest  lies  neglected !  What  contriving  and  caring 
to  get  a  step  higher  in  the  world  than  their  brethren, 
while  they  neglect  the  kingly  dignity  of  the  saints ! 
What  insatiable  pursuit  of  fleshly  pleasures,  while 
they  look  on  the  praises  of  God,  the  joy  of  angels, 
as  a  tiresome  burden  !  What  unwearied  diligence  in 
raising  their  posterity,  enlarging  their  possessions, 
(perhaps  for  a  poor  living  from  hand  to  mouth,) 
while  judgment  is  drawing  near  !  but  how  it  shall  go 
with  them  then,  never  puts  them  to  one  hour's  consi- 
deration !  What  rising  early  and  sitting  up  late,  and 
laboring  from  year  to  year,  to  maintain  themselves 
and  children  in  credit  till  they  die !  but  what  shall  fol- 
low after,  they  never  think  on  !  Yet  these  men  cry, 
'*  May  we  not  be  saved  without  so  much  ado  ?"    How 


153 

early  do  they  rouse  up  their  servants  to  their  labor  ! 
but  how  seldom  do  they  call  them  to  prayer,  or  read- 
ing the  Scriptures !  What  hath  this  world  done  for  its 
lovers  and  friends,  that  it  is  so  eagerly  followed  and 
pam fully  sought  after,  while  Christ  and  heaven  stand 
by  and  few  regard  them  ?  or  what  will  the  world  do 
for  them  for  the  time  to  come  ?  The  common  en- 
trance into  it  is  through  anguish  and  sorrow.  The 
passage  through  it  is  with  continual  care  and  labor. 
The  passage  out  of  it  is  the  sharpest  of  all.  O  un- 
reasonable, bewitched  men !  Will  mirth  and  plea- 
sure stick  close  to  you !  Will  gold  and  worldly  glory 
prove  fast  friends  to  you  in  the  time  of  your  greatest 
need  ?  Will  they  hear  your  cries  in  the  day  of  your 
calamity  ?  At  the  hour  of  your  death,  will  they  either 
answer  or  relieve  you  ?  Will  they  go  along  with  you 
to  the  other  world,  and  bribe  the  Judge  and  bring  you 
off  clear,  or  purchase  you  a  place  among  the  blessed  ? 
Why  then  did  the  rich  man  want  "  a  drop  of  water 
to  cool  his  tongue?"  Or  are  the  sweet  morsels  of 
present  delight  and  honor  of  more  worth  than  eter- 
nal rest  ?  And  will  they  recompense  the  loss  of  that 
enduring  treasure  ?  Can  there  be  the  least  hope  of 
any  of  these  ?  Ah,  vile,  deceitful  world !  how  oft 
have  we  heard  thy  most  faithful  servants  at  last 
complaining,  "  O,  the  world  hath  deceived  me,  and 
undone  me !  It  flattered  me  in  my  prosperity,  but 
now  it  turns  me  off  in  my  necessity.  If  I  had  as 
faithfully  served  Christ  as  I  have  served  it,  he  would 


154  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

not  have  left  me  thus  comfortless  and  hopeless." 
Thus  they  complain;  and  yet  succeeding  sinners 
will  take  no  warning. 

As  for  the  'profane  multitude,  they  will  not  be  per- 
suaded to  be  at  so  much  pains  for  salvation  as  to 
perform  the  common  outward  duties  of  religion.  If 
they  have  the  Gospel  preached  in  the  town  where 
they  dwell,  it  may  be  they  will  give  the  hearing  to 
it  one  part  of  the  day,  and  stay  at  home  the  other ; 
or  if  the  master  come  to  the  congregation,  yet  part 
of  his  family  must  stay  at  home.  If  they  have  not 
the  plain  and  powerful  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  how 
few  are  there  in  a  whole  town  who  will  travel  a 
mile  or  tAVO  to  hear  abroad ;  though  they  will  go 
many  miles  to  the  market  for  provisions  for  their 
bodies  !  They  know  the  Scripture  is  the  law  of  God, 
by  which  they  must  be  acquitted  or  condemned  in 
judgment ;  and  that  "  the  man  is  blessed  who  delights 
in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  and  in  his  law  doth  meditate 
day  and  night ;"  yet  will  they  not  be  at  the  pains  to 
read  a  chapter  once  a  day.  If  they  carry  a  Bible  to 
church,  and  neglect  it  all  the  week,  this  is  the  most 
use  they  make  of  it.  Though  they  are  commanded 
to  pray  without  ceasing,  and  to  pray  always,  yet  they 
will  neither  pray  constantly  in  their  families,  nor  in  se- 
cret. Though  Daniel  would  rather  be  cast  to  the  lions 
than  forbear  praying  three  times  a  day  in  his  house, 
where  his  enemies  might  hear  him ;  yet  these  men 
will  rather  venture  to  be  an  eternal  prey  to  Satan, 


THE    SAINTS'    REST.  155 

the  roaring  lion,  than  thus  seek  their  own  safety. 
Or  their  cold  and  heartless  prayers  invite  God  to  a 
denial ;  for  among  men  it  is  taken  for  granted,  that 
he  who  asks  but  slightly  and  seldom,  cares  not  much 
for  what  he  asks.  They  judge  themselves  unworthy 
of  heaven,  who  think  it  not  worth  their  more  con- 
stant and  earnest  requests.  If  every  door  was  mark- 
ed where  families  do  not,  morning  and  evening,  ear- 
nestly seek  the  Lord  in  prayer,  and  his  wrath  were 
poured  out  upon  such  prayerless  families,  our  towns 
would  be  as  places  overthrown  by  the  plague,  the 
people  being  dead  within,  and  the  mark  of  judgment 
without.  I  fear,  where  one  house  would  escape,  ten 
would  be  marked  out  for  death  ;  and  then  they  might 
teach  their  doors  to  pray,  "  Lord,  have  mercy  upon 
us,"  because  the  people  would  not  pray  themselves. 
But  especially  if  we  could  see  what  men  do  in  their 
secret  chambers,  how  few  would  you  find  in  a  whole 
town  that  spend  one  quarter  of  an  hour,  morning  and 
night,  in  earnest  supplication  to  God  for  their  souls  ! 
O  how  little  do  these  men  set  by  eternal  rest !  Thus 
do  they  slothfuUy  neglect  all  endeavors  for  their  own 
welfare,  except  some  public  duty  in  the  congrega- 
tion, which  custom  or  credit  engages  them  to.  Per- 
suade them  to  read  good  books,  learn  the  grounds  of 
religion  in  their  catechism,  and  sanctify  the  Lord's 
day  in  prayer,  and  meditation,  and  hearing  the  word, 
and  forbearing  all  worldly  thoughts  and  speeches  ; 
and  what  a  tedious  life  do  they  take  this  to  be !  as 


156  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING. 

if  they  thought  heaven  were  not  worth  doing  so 
much  for. 

Another  sort  are  formal  professors,  who  will  be 
brought  to  any  outward  duty,  but  to  the  inward 
work  of  religion  they  will  never  be  persuaded. 
They  will  preach,  or  hear,  or  read,  or  talk  of  hea- 
ven, or  pray  in  their  families,  and  take  part  with 
the  persons  or  causes  that  are  good,  and  desire  to 
be  esteemed  among  the  godly ;  but  you  can  never 
bring  them  to  the  more  spiritual  duties ;  as  to  be 
constant  and  fervent  in  secret  prayer  and  medita* 
tion ;  conscientious  in  self-examination ;  heavenly- 
minded  ;  to  watch  over  their  hearts,  words,  and  ways ; 
to  mortify  the  flesh,  and  not  make  provision  to  fulfill 
its  lusts ;  to  love  and  heartily  forgive  an  enemy,  and 
prefer  their  brethren  before  themselves ;  to  lay  all 
they  have,  or  do,  at  the  feet  of  Christ,  and  prize  his 
service  and  favor  before  all ;  to  prepare  to  die  and 
willingly  leave  all  to  go  to  Christ.  Hypocrites  will 
never  be  persuaded  to  any  of  these.  If  any  hypo- 
crite entertains  the  Gospel  with  joy,  it  is  only  in  the 
surface  of  his  soul ;  he  never  gives  the  seed  any 
depth  of  earth:  it  changes  his  opinion,  but  never 
mehs  and  new  moulds  his  heart,  nor  sets  up  Christ 
there  in  full  power  and  authority.  As  his  religion 
lies  most  in  opinion,  so  does  his  chief  business  and 
conversation.  He  is  usually  an  ignorant,  bold,  con- 
ceited dealer  in  controversies,  rather  than  an  hum- 
ble embracer  of  known  truth  with  love  and  obedi- 


i 


THE  saints'  rest.  157 

ence.     By  his  slighting  the  judgments  and  persons 
of  others,  and  seldom  talking  with  seriousness  and 
humility  of  the  great  things  of  Christ,  he  shows 
his  religion    dwells    in  the  brain,  and  not  in  his 
heart.     The  wind  of  temptation  carries  him  away 
as  a  feather  because  his  heart  is  not  established  with 
Christ  and  grace.     He  never,  in  private  conversa- 
tion, humbly  bewails  his  soul's  imperfections,  or  ten- 
derly acknowledges  his  unkindness  to  Christ ;  but 
gathers  his  greatest  comforts  from  his  being  of  such 
a  judgment  or  party.     The  like  may  be  said  of  the 
worldly  hypocrite,  who  chokes  the  Gospel  with  the 
thorns  of  worldly  cares  and  desires.     He  is  con- 
vinced that  he  must  be  religious,  or  he  cannot  be 
saved ;  and  therefore  he  reads,  and  hears,  and  prays, 
and  forsakes  his  former  company  and  courses  ;  but  he 
resolves  to  keep  his  hold  of  present  things.   Flis  judg- 
ment may  say,  God  is  the  chief  good  ;  but  his  heart 
and  affections  never  said  so.     The  world  hath  more 
of  his  affections  than  God,  and  therefore  it  is  his 
god.    Though  he  does  not  run  after  opinions  and 
novehies,  like  the  former,  ^^et  he  will  be  of  that 
opinion  which  will  best  serve  his  wordly  advantage. 
And  as  one  whose  spirits  are  enfeebled  by  some 
pestilential  disease,  so  this  man's  spirits  being  pos- 
sessed by  the  plague  of  a  worldly  disposition,  how 
feeble  is  he  in  secret  prayer !  how  superficial  in  ex- 
amination and  meditation  !  how  poor  in  heart-Avatch- 
inirs  !  how  nothing  at  all  in  loving  and  walking 
M 


158  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

with  God,  rejoicing  in  him,  or  desiring  him  !  So 
that  both  these  and  many  other  sorts  of  hypocrites, 
though  they  will  go  with  you  in  the  easy  outside  of 
religion,  yet  will  never  be  at  the  pains  of  inward 
and  spiritual  duties. 

And  even  the  godly  themselves  are  too  lazy  seek- 
ers of  their  everlasting  rest.  Alas  !  what  a  dispro- 
portion is  there  between  our  light  and  heat,  our 
profession  and  prosecution  !  Who  makes  that  haste 
as  if  it  were  for  heaven  ?  How  still  we  stand !  how 
idly  we  work  !  how  Ave  talk,  and  jest,  and  trifle 
away  our  time !  how  deceitfully  we  perform  the 
w^ork  of  God  !  how  we  hear,  as  if  we  heard  not ! 
and  pray,  as  if  we  prayed  not !  and  examine,  and 
meditate,  and  reprove  sin,  as  if  we  did  it  not !  and 
enjoy  Christ,  as  if  we  enjoj^ed  him  not !  as  if  we 
had  learned  to  use  the  things  of  heaven,  as  the 
apostle  teacheth  us  to  "use  the  things  of  the  world  !" 
What  a  frozen  stupidity  has  benumbed  us  !  We  are 
dying,  and  we  know  it,  and  yet  we  stir  not ;  we  are 
at  the  door  of  eternal  happiness  or  misery,  and  yet 
we  perceive  it  not ;  death  knocks,  and  we  hear  it 
not ;  God  and  Christ  call  and  cry  to  us,  "  To-day,  if 
ye  will  hear  my  voice,  harden  not  your  hearts ; 
work  while  it  is  day,  for  the  night  cometh,  when 
none  can  Avork."  Now  ply  your  business,  labor  for 
your  lives,  lay  out  all  your  strength  and  time ;  now 
or  never  !  and  yet  we  stir  no  more  than  if  we  were 
half  asleep.    What  haste  do  death  and  judgment 


THE  saints'   rest,  159 

make  !  how  fast  do  they  come  on  !  they  are  almost 
at  us,  and  yet  what  little  haste  we  make  !  Lord, 
what  a  senseless,  earthly,  hellish  thing  is  a  hard 
heart !  Where  is  the  man  that  is  in  earnest  a  Chris- 
tian ?  Methinks  men  every  where  make  but  a  trifle 
of  their  eternal  state.  They  look  after  it  but  a  little 
by  the  by  ;  they  do  not  make  it  the  business  of  their 
lives.  If  I  were  not  sick  myself  of  the  same  dis-' 
ease,  with  what  tears  should  I  mix  this  ink  !  with 
what  groans  should  1  express  these  complaints  ! 
and  with  what  heart-grief  should  I  mourn  over  this 
universal  deadness ! 

Do  magistrates  among  us  seriously  perform  their 
work  ?  Are  they  zealous  for  God  ?  Do  they  build  up 
his  house  ?  Are  they  tender  of  his  honor  ?  Do  they 
second  the  word ;  and  fly  in  the  face  of  sin  and  sin- 
ners, as  the  disturbers  of  our  peace,  and  the  only 
cause  of  all  our  miseries  ?  Do  they  improve  all 
their  power,  wealth,  and  honor,  and  all  their  influ- 
ence, for  the  greatest  advantage  to  the  kingdom  of 
Christ,  as  men  that  must  shortly  give  an  account  of 
their  stewardship  1 

How  few  are  those  ministers  that  are  serious  in 
their  work  !  Nay,  how  mightily  do  the  very  best 
fail  in  this  !  Do  we  cry  out  of  men's  disobedience 
to  the  Gospel  "  in  the  demonstration  of  the  Spirit," 
and  deal  with  sin  as  the  destroying  fire  in  our  towns, 
and  by  force  pull  men  out  of  it  ?  Do  we  persuade 
our  people  as  those  should  that  "  know  the  terrors 


160  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

of  the  Lord'?"  Do  wc  press  Christ,  and  regcnera 
tion,  and  faith,  and  holiness,  believing-  that,  without 
these,  nien  can  never  have  life?"  Do  our  bowels 
yearn  over  the  ignorant,  careless,  obstinate  multi- 
tude ?  When  we  look  them  in  the  face,  do  our  hearts 
melt  over  them,  lest  we  should  never  see  their  faces 
in  rest?  Do  we,  as  Paul,  "tell  them,  weeping,"  of 
their  fleshly  and  earthly  disposition;  "and  teach 
them  publicly,  and  from  house  to  house,  at  all  sea- 
sons, and  with  many  tears  ?"  And  do  we  entreat 
them,  as  for  their  soul's  salvation  ?  Or  rather,  do 
\ve  not  study  to  gain  the  approbation  of  critical 
hearers  ;  as  if  a  minister's  business  were  of  no  more 
weight  but  to  tell  a  smooth  tale  for  an  hour,  and 
look  no  more  after  the  people  till  the  next  sermon? 
Does  not  carnal  prudence  control  our  fervor,  and 
make  our  discourses  lifeless  on  subjects  the  most 
piercing?  How  gently  do  we  handle  those  sins 
which  will  so  cruelly  handle  our  people's  souls  ! 
In  a  word,  our  want  of  seriousness  about  the  things 
of  heaven,  charms  the  souls  of  men  into  formality, 
and  brings  them  to  this  customary  careless  hearing, 
w^hich  midoes  them.  May  the  Lord  pardon  the 
great  sin  of  the  ministry  in  this  thing ;  and,  in  par- 
ticular, my  own ! 

And  are  the  people  more  serious  than  magistrates 
or  ministers  ?  How  can  it  be  expected  ?  Reader, 
look  but  to  thyself,  and  resolve  the  question.  Ask 
conscience,  and  suffer  it  to  tell  thee  truly.     Hast 


THE    saints'    rest.  161 

thou  set  thy  eternal  rest  before  thine  eyes,  as  the 
great  business  thou  hast  to  do  in  this  world  ?  Hast 
thou  watched  and  labored  with  all  thy  might,  "  that 
no  man  take  thy  crown  ?"  Hast  thou  made  haste, 
lest  thou  shouldst  come  too  late,  and  die  before  thy 
work  be  done?  Hast  thou  pressed  on,  through 
crowds  of  opposition,  "toward  the  mark,  for  the 
prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus," 
still  "  reaching  forth  unto  those  things  which  are 
before  ?"  Can  conscience  witness  your  secret  cries, 
and  groans,  and  tears  ?  Can  your  family  witness 
that  you  taught  them  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  warn- 
ed them  not  to  "  go  to  that  place  of  torment  ?"  Can 
your  minister  witness  that  he  has  heard  you  cry 
out,  "  What  shall  I  do  to  be  saved  ?"  and  that  you 
have  followed  him  with  complaints  against  your  cor- 
ruptions, and  with  earnest  inquiries  after  the  Lord  ? 
Can  your  neighbors  about  you  witness  that  you  re- 
prove the  ungodly,  and  take  pains  to  save  the  souls 
of  your  brethren  ?  Let  all  these  witnesses  judge 
this  day  between  God  and  you,  whether  you  are  in 
earnest  about  eternal  rest.  You  can  tell  by  his  work 
whether  your  servant  has  loitered,  though  you  did 
not  see  him ;  so  you  may,  by  looking  at  your  own 
work.  Is  your  love  to  Christ,  your  faith,  your  zeal, 
and  other  graces,  strong  or  weak  ?  What  are  your 
joys  ?  What  is  your  assurance  ?  Is  all  in  order  with 
you?  Are  you  ready  to  die,  if  this  should  be  the 
d/iy?  Do  the  souls  among  whom  you  have  con- 
s.  R,  14* 


162  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

versed,  bless  you  ?  Judge  by  this,  and  it  will  quick- 
ly appear  whether  you  have  been  laborers  or  loi- 
terers. 

O  blessed  rest,  how  unworthily  art  thou  neglect- 
ed !  O  glorious  kingdom,  how  art  thou  underva- 
lued !  Little  know  the  careless  sons  of  men  what  a 
state  they  set  so  light  by.  If  they  once  knew  it, 
they  v/ould  surely  be  of  another  mind.  I  hope  thou, 
reader,  art  sensible,  w^hat  a  desperate  thing  it  is  to 
trifle  abou*  eternal  rest,  and  how  deeply  thou  hast 
been  guilty  of  this  thyself.  And  I  hope,  also,  thou 
wilt  not  now  suffer  this  conviction  to  die.  Should 
the  physician  tell  thee,  "  If  you  will  observe  but  one 
thing,  I  doubt  not  to  cure  your  disease,"  Avouldst 
thou  not  observe  it?  So  I  tell  thee,  if  thou  wilt  ob- 
serve but  this  one  thing  for  thy  soul,  I  make  no 
doubt  of  thy  salvation ;  shake  off  thy  sloth,  and  put 
to  all  thy  strength,  and  be  a  Christian  indeed:  I 
know  not  then  what  can  hinder  thy  happiness.  As 
far  as  thou  art  gone  from  God,  seek  him  with  all 
thy  heart,  and  no  doubt  thou  shalt  find  him.  As 
unkind  as  thou  hast  been  to  Jesus  Christ,  seek  him 
heartily,  obey  him  unreservedly,  and  thy  salvation 
IS  as  sure  as  if  thou  hadst  it  already.  But,  full  as 
Christ's  satisfaction  is,  free  as  the  promise  is,  large 
as  the  mercy  of  God  is,  if  thou  only  talk  of  these 
when  thou  shouldst  eagerly  entertain  them,  thou 
wik  be  never  the  better  for  them:  and  if  thou  loiter 
when  thou  shouldst  labor,  thou  wilt  lose  the  crown. 


THE    SAINTS      REST.  163 

Fall  to  work,  then,  speedily  and  seriously,  and  bless 
God  that  thou  hast  yet  time  to  do  it. 

To  show  that  I  urge  thee  not  without  cause,  I 
will  here  add  a  variety  of  animating  considerations. 
Rouse  up  thy  spirit,  and,  as  Moses  said  to  Israel, 
"  set  thy  heart  unto  all  the  words  which  I  testify 
unto  thee  this  day ;  for  it  is  not  a  vain  thing,  because 
it  is  your  life."  May  the  Lord  open  thy  heart,  and 
fasten  his  counsel  effectually  upon  thee  ! 

1.  Consider  how  rcaso7iable  it  is  that  our  dili- 
gence should  be  answerable  to  the  ends  loe  aim  at, 
to  the  tcork  we  have  to  do,  to  the  shortness  and  un- 
certainiy  of  our  time,  and  to  the  contrary  diligence 
of  our  enemies.  The  ends  of  a  Christian's  desires 
and  endeavors  are  so  great,  that  no  human  under- 
standing on  earth  can  comprehend  them.  What  is 
so  excellent,  so  important,  or  so  necessary  as  the 
glorifying  of  God,  the  salvation  of  our  own  and 
other  men's  souls,  by  escaping  the  torments  of  hell, 
and  possessing  the  glory  of  heaven  ?  And  can  a  man 
be  too  much  affected  with  things  of  such  moment  ? 
Can  he  desire  them  too  earnestly,  or  love  them  too 
strongly,  or  labor  for  them  too  diligently  ?  Do  not 
we  know,  that  if  our  prayers  prevail  not,  and  our 
labor  succeeds  not,  we  are  undone  for  ever  1  The 
icork  of  a  Christian  here  is  very  great  and  various. 
The  soul  must  be  renewed ;  corruptions  must  be 
mortified;  customs,  temptations,  and  worldly  inte- 
rests must  be  conquered ;  flesh  must  be  subdued ; 


164  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

life,  friends,  and  credit  must  be  slighted ;  conscience, 
on  good  grounds,  be  quieted  ;  and  assurance  of  par- 
don and  salvation  attained.  Though  God  must  give 
us  these  without  our  merit,  yet  he  will  not  give  them 
without  our  earnest  seeking  and  labor.  Besides, 
there  is  much  knowledge  to  be  got,  many  ordinances 
to  be  used,  and  duties  to  be  performed ;  every  age, 
year  and  day,  every  place  we  come  to,  every  person 
we  deal  with,  every  change  of  our  condition,  still 
require  the  renewing  of  our  labor ;  wives,  children, 
servants,  neighbors,  friends,  enemies,  all  of  them 
call  for  duty  from  us.  Judge,  then,  whether  men 
that  have  so  much  business  lying  upon  their  hands, 
should  not  exert  themselves  ;  and  whether  it  be  their 
wisdom  either  to  delay  or  loiter.  Time  passeth  on. 
Yet  a  feio  days,  and  we  shall  be  here  no  more. 
Many  diseases  are  ready  to  assault  us.  We,  that  are 
now  preaching,  and  hearing,  and  talking,  and  walk- 
ing, must  very  shortly  be  carried  and  laid  in  the 
dust,  and  there  left  to  the  worms,  in  darkness  and 
corruption ;  we  are  almost  there  already ;  we  know 
not  whether  we  shall  have  another  sermon,  or  Sab- 
bath, or  hour.  How  active  should  they  be,  who 
know  they  have  so  short  a  space  for  so  great  a  work ! 
And  we  have  enemies  that  are  always  plotting  and 
laboring  for  our  destruction.  How  diligent  is  Sa 
tan  in  all  kinds  of  temptations !  Therefore  "  be  so- 
ber, be  vigilant ;  because  your  adversary  the  devil, 
as  a  roaring  lion,  walketh  about,  seeking  whom  he 


THE    SAINTS      REST.  165 

may  devour ;  whom  resist  steadfast  in  the  faith." 
How  diligent  are  all  the  "  ministers  of  Satan  !  false 
teachers,  scoffers,  persecutors,"  and  our  inbred  cor- 
ruptions, the  most  busy  and  diligent  of  all !  Will  a 
feeble  resistance  serve  our  turn  ?  Should  not  we  be 
more  active  for  our  own  preservation,  than  our  ene- 
mies are  for  our  ruin  ? 

2.  It  should  excite  us  to  diligence,  when  we  con- 
sider our  talents  and  our  mercies,  our  relation  to 
God,  and  the  afflictions  he  lays  upon  us.  The  talents 
which  we  have  received  are  many  and  great.  What 
people  breathing  on  earth  have  had  plainer  instruc- 
tions, or  more  forcible  persuasions,  or  more  constant 
admonitions,  in  season  and  out  of  season  ?  sermons, 
till  we  have  been  weary  of  them,  and  Sabbaths,  till 
we  profaned  them ;  excellent  books  in  such  plenty 
that  we  knew  not  which  to  read  ?  What  people  have 
had  God  so  near  them  ?  or  have  seen  so  much  of 
Christ  crucified  before  their  eyes  ?  or  have  had 
heaven  and  hell  so  open  unto  them  ?  What  speed 
should  such  a  people  make  for  heaven !  how  should 
they  fly  that  are  thus  winged !  and  how  swiftly 
should  they  sail  that  have  wind  and  tide  to  help 
them !  A  small  measure  of  grace  becomes  not  such 
a  people,  nor  will  an  ordinary  diligence  in  the  work 
of  God  excuse  them.  All  our  lives  have  been  filled 
with  mercies.  God  hath  mercifully  poured  out 
upon  us  the  riches  of  sea  and  land,  of  heaven  and 
earth.    We  are  fed  and  clothed  with  mercy.    We 


166  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

have  mercies  within  and  without.  To  number  them, 
is  to  count  the  stars  or  the  sands  of  the  sea-shore.  If 
there  be  any  difference  betwixt  hell  and  earth,  yea,  or 
heaven  and  earth,  then  certainly  we  have  received  mer- 
cy. If  the  blood  of  the  Son  of  God  be  mercy,  then  we 
are  engaged  to  God  by  mercy.  Shall  God  think 
nothing  too  much,  nor  too  good  for  us ;  and  shall 
we  think  all  too  much  that  we  do  for  him  ?  When  I 
compare  my  slow  and  unprofitable  life  with  the  fre- 
quent and  wonderful  mercies  received,  it  shames  me, 
it  silences  me,  and  leaves  me  inexcusable.  Besides 
our  talents  and  mercies,  our  relations  to  God  are 
most  endearing.  Are  we  his  children,  and  do  Vv^e 
not  owe  him  our  most  tender  affections  and  dutiful 
obedience?  Are  we  "the  spouse  of  Christ,"  and 
should  we  not  obey  and  love  him  ?  "  If  he  be  a  Fa- 
ther, where  is  his  honor  ?  and  if  he  be  a  Master, 
where  is  his  fear  ?  We  call  him  Master,  and  Lord, 
and  we  say  well."  But  if  our  industry  be  not  an- 
swerable to  our  relations,  we  condemn  ourselves  in 
saying  we  are  his  children  or  his  servants.  How 
will  the  hard  labor  and  daily  toil  which  servants 
undergo  to  please  their  masters,  judge  and  condemn 
those  who  w-ill  not  labor  so  hard  for  their  great  Mas- 
ter ?  Surely  there  is  no  master  like  him ;  nor  can 
any  servants  expect  such  fruit  of  their  labors  as  his 
servants.  And  if  we  wander  out  of  God's  way,  or 
loiter  in  it,  how  is  every  creature  ready  to  be  his  rod 
to  brino-  us  back,  or  uro^e  us  on  !  Our  sweetest  mer- 


REST.  167 

cies  will  become  our  sorrows.  Rather  than  want  a 
rod,  The  Lord  will  make  us  a  scourge  to  ourselves ; 
our  diseased  bodies  shall  make  us  groan ;  our  per- 
plexed minds  shall  make  us  restless  ;  our  conscience 
shall  be  as  a  scorpion  in  our  bosom.  And  is  it  not 
easier  to  endure  the  labor  than  the  spur  ?  Had  we 
rather  be  still  afflicted,  than  be  up  and  doing  ?  And 
though  they  that  do  most,  meet  also  with  afflictions  ; 
yet  surely,  according  to  their  peace  of  conscience 
and  faithfulness  to  Christ,  the  bitterness  of  their  cup 
is  abated. 

2.  To  quicken  our  diligence  in  our  tcork,  ice  should 
also  consider  ivhat  assistances  we  have,  what  princi- 
ples we  profess,  and  our  certainty  that  we  can  never 
do  too  much.  For  our  assistance  in  the  service  of 
God,  all  the  Avorld  are  our  servants.  The  sun,  moon, 
and  stars  attend  us  with  their  light  and  influence. 
The  earth,  Avith  all  its  furniture  of  plants  and  flow- 
ers, fruits,  birds,  and  beasts ;  the  sea,  with  its  inha- 
bitants ;  the  air,  the  wind,  the  frost  and  snow,  the 
heat  and  fire,  the  clouds  and  rain,  all  wait  upon  us 
while  we  do  our  Avork.  Yea,  "the  angels  are  all 
our  ministering  spirits."  Nay  more,  the  patience  of 
God  doth  wait  upon  us ;  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  wait- 
eth  in  the  offers  of  his  blood ;  the  Holy  Spirit  wait- 
eth,  by  striving  with  our  backward  hearts ;  besides 
the  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  who  study  and  wait, 
preach  and  wait,  pray  and  wait  upon  careless  sin- 
ners.   And  is  it  not  an  intolerable  crime  for  us  to 


1G8  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

trifle,  while  ang^els  and  men,  yea,  the  Lord  himself, 
stand  by  and  look  on,  and,  as  it  were,  hold  us  the 
candle  Avhile  we  do  nothing  ?  I  beseech  you,  Chris- 
tians, whenever  you  arc  praying,  or  reproving  trans- 
gressors, or  upon  any  duty,  remember  what  assist- 
ances you  have  for  your  work,  and  then  judge  how 
you  ought  to  perform  it.  The  pri7icipleswe  profess 
are,  that  God  is  the  chief  good ;  that  all  our  happi- 
ness consists  in  his  love,  and  therefore  it  should  be 
valued  and  sought  above  all  things ;  that  he  is  our 
only  Lord,  and  therefore  chiefly  to  be  served ;  that 
we  must  love  him  with  all  our  heart,  and  soul,  and 
strength ;  that  our  great  business  in  the  world  is  to 
glorify  God  and  obtain  salvation.  Are  these  doc- 
trines seen  in  our  practice  ?  or  rather,  do  not  our 
works  deny  what  our  words  confess  ?  But,  however 
our  assistances  and  principles  excite  us  to  our  Avork, 
we  are  sure  we  can  never  do  too  much.  Could  we 
"  do  all,  we  are  unprofitable  servants  ;"  much  more 
when  we  are  sure  to  fail  in  all.  No  man  can  obey 
or  serve  God  too  much.  Though  all  superstition,  or 
service  of  our  o\YXi  devising,  may  be  called  a  "  being 
righteous  over  much ;"  yet,  as  long  as  we  keep  to 
the  rule  of  the  word,  we  can  never  be  righteous  too 
much.  The  world  is  mad  with  malice  when  they 
think  that  faithful  diligence  in  the  service  of  Christ 
is  foolish  singularity.  The  time  is  near,  when  they 
will  easily  confess  that  God  could  not  be  loved  or 
served  too  much,  and  that  no  man  can  be  too  busy 


THE  saints'  hest.  169 

to  save  Kis  soul.    We  may  easily  do  too  much  for 
the  world,  but  we  cannot  for  God. 

4.  Let  us  further  consider  that  it  is  the  nature  of 
every  grace  to  promote  diligence,  that  trifling  in  the 
way  to  heaven  is  lost  labor,  that  much  precious  time 
is  already  mis-spent,  and  that  in  proportion  to  our 
labor  will  be  our  recompense.  See  the  nature  and 
tendency  of  every  grace.  If  you  loved  God,  you 
would  think  nothing  too  much  that  you  could  pos- 
sibly do  to  serve  him  and  please  him  still  more. 
Love  is  quick  and  impatient,  active  and  observant- 
If  you  love  Christ,  you  would  keep  his  command- 
ments, nor  accuse  them  of  too  much  strictness.  If 
you  had  faith,  it  would  quicken  and  encourage  you. 
If  you  had  the  hope  of  glory,  it  would,  as  the  spring 
in  the  watch,  set  all  the  wheels  of  your  souls  a-going. 
If  you  had  the  fear  of  God,  it  would  rouse  you  out 
of  your  slothfulness.  If  you  had  zeal,  it  would  in- 
flame, and  eat  you  up.  In  what  degree  soever  thou 
art  sanctified,  in  the  same  degree  thou  wilt  be  seri- 
ous and  laborious  in  the  work  of  God.  They  that 
trifle  lose  their  labor.  Many,  who,  like  Agrippa,  are 
but  almost  Christians,  will  find,  in  the  end,  they  shall 
be  but  almost  saved.  If  two  be  running  in  a  race, 
he  that  runs  slowest  loses  both  prize  and  labor.  A 
man  that  is  lifting  at  a  weight,  if  he  put  not  suffi- 
cient strength  to  it,  had  as  good  put  none  at  all. 
How  many  duties  have  Christians  lost  for  want  of 
doing  them  thoroughly  !  "  Many  will  seek  to  enter 

s.  R.  15 


170  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

in,  and  shall  not  be  able,"  who,  if  they  had  striven, 
might  have  been  able.  Therefore,  put  to  a  little 
more  diligence  and  strength,  that  all  you  have  done 
already  be  not  in  vain.  Besides,  is  not  much  pre- 
cious time  already  lost  ?  With  some  of  us,  childhood 
and  youth  are  gone ;  with  some,  their  middle  age 
also ;  and  the  time  before  us  is  very  uncertain.  What 
time  have  we  slept,  talked,  and  played  away,  or  spent 
in  worldly  thoughts  and  cares  !  How  little  of  our 
work  is  done !  The  time  we  have  lost  cannot  be  re- 
called ;  should  we  not,  then,  redeem  and  improve  the 
little  which  remains  ?  If  a  traveler  sleep,  or  trifle 
most  of  the  day,  he  must  travel  so  much  faster  in 
the  evening,  or  fall  short  of  his  journey's  end.  Doubt 
not  but  the  recompense  will  be  according  to  your  la- 
bor. The  seed  which  is  buried  and  dead  will  bring 
forth  a  plentiful  harvest.  Whatever  you  do  or  suf- 
fer, everlasting  rest  will  pay  for  all.  There  is  no  re- 
penting of  labors  or  sufferings  in  heaven.  There  is 
not  one  says,  "  Would  I  had  spared  my  pains,  and 
prayed  less,  or  been  less  strict,  and  done  as  the  rest 
of  my  neighbors  !"  On  the  contrary,  it  will  be  their 
joy  to  look  back  upon  their  labors  and  tribulations, 
and  to  consider  how  the  mighty  power  of  God 
brought  them  through  all.  We  may  all  say,  as 
Paul,  "  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings"  and  labors  "of 
this  present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared 
with  the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed  in  us."  We 
labor  but  for  a  moment,  but  we  shall  rest  for  ever. 


171 

Who  wouid  not  put  forth  all  his  strength  for  one 
hour,  when,  for  that  hour's  work,  he  may  be  a 
prince  while  he  lives  ?  "  God  is  not  unrighteous  to 
forget  our  work  and  labor  of  love."  "Will  not  "all 
our  tears  be  wiped  away,"  and  all  the  sorrow  of  our 
duties  be  then  forgotten  ? 

5.  Nor  does  it  less  deserve  to  be  considered,  that 
striving  is  the  divinely  appoi7ited  way  of  salvation ; 
that  all  men  either  do,  or  will  approve  it ;  that  the 
best  Christians,  at  death,  lament  their  negligence  ; 
and  that  heaven  itself  is  often  lost  for  want  of  striv- 
ing, but  is  7iever  had  on  easier  terms.  The  sove- 
reign wisdom  of  God  has  made  striving  necessary 
to  salvation.  Who  knows  the  way  to  heaven  better 
than  the  God  of  heaven  ?  When  men  tell  us  we  are 
too  strict,  whom  do  they  accuse,  God  or  us  1  If  it 
were  a  fault,  it  would  lie  in  him  that  commands,  and 
not  in  us  who  obey.  These  are  the  men  that  ask 
us  whether  we  are  wiser  than  all  the  world  beside ; 
and  yet  they  will  pretend  to  be  wiser  than  God. 
How  can  they  reconcile  their  language  with  the 
laws  of  God  ?  "  The  kingdom  of  heaven  suffereth 
violence,  and  the  violent  take  it  by  force.  Strive  to 
enter  in  at  the  strait  gate ;  for  many  will  seek  to 
enter  in,  and  shall  not  be  able.  Whatsoever  thy  hand 
findeth  to  do,  do  it  Avith  thy  might ;  for  there  is  no 
work,  nor  device,  nor  knowledge,  nor  wisdom  in 
the  grave,  whither  thou  goest.  Work  out  your  own 
salvation  with  fear  and  tremblmg.    Give  diligence 


172  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

to  make  your  calling  and  election  sure.  If  the  righ- 
teous scarcely  be  saved,  where  shall  the  ungodly 
and  the  sinner  appear  ?"  Let  them  bring  all  the 
seeming  reasons  they  can  against  the  holy  violence 
of  the  saints:  this  sufficeth  me  to  confute  them  all, 
that  God  is  of  another  mind,  and  he  hath  commanded 
me  to  do  much  more  than  I  do  ;  and  though  I  could 
see  no  other  reason  for  it,  his  will  is  reason  enough. 
Who  should  make  laws  for  us,  but  he  that  made  us? 
and  who  should  point  out  the  way  to  heaven,  but  he 
that  must  bring  us  thither  ?  and  who  should  fix  the 
terms  of  salvation,  but  he  that  bestows  the  gift  of  sal- 
vation ?-  So  that,  let  the  world,  the  flesh,  or  the  de- 
\i\  speak  against  a  holy,  laborious  life,  this  is  my 
answer,  God  hath  commanded  it.  Nay,  there  never 
was,  nor  ever  will  be,  a  man  but  will  approve  such 
a  life,  and  will  one  day  justify  the  diligence  of  the 
saints.  And  who  would  not  go  that  way  which 
every  man  shall  finally  applaud  ?  True,  it  is  now 
"a  way  every  where  spoken  against."  But  let  me 
tell  you,  most  that  speak  against  it,  in  their  judg- 
ments approve  of  it ;  and  those  that  are  now  against 
it,  will  shortly  be  of  another  mind.  If  they  come  to 
heaven,  their  mind  must  be  changed  before  they 
come  there.  If  they  go  to  hell,  their  judgment  will 
then  be  altered,  whether  they  will  or  not.  Remem- 
ber this,  you  that  love  the  opinion  and  way  of  the 
multitude.  Why,  then,  will  you  not  be  of  the  opin- 
ion that  all  will  be  of?    Why  will  you  beof  ajudg 


THE  saints'  rest.  173 

merit  which  you  are  sure,  all  of  you,  shortly  to 
change  ?  O  that  you  were  but  as  wise  in  this  as 
those  in  hell !  Even  the  best  of  Christians,  when 
they  come  to  die,  exceedingly  lament  their  negli- 
gence. They  then  wish,  "  O  that  I  had  been  a  thou- 
sand times  more  holy,  more  heavenly,  more  labori- 
ous for  my  soul !  The  world  accuses  me  for  doing 
too  much,  but  my  own  conscience  accuses  me  for 
doing  too  little.  It  is  far  easier  bearing  the  scoffs 
of  the  world  than  the  lashes  of  conscience.  I  had 
rather  be  reproached  by  the  devil  for  seeking  salva- 
tion, than  reproved  of  God  for  neglecting  it."  How 
do  their  failings  thus  wound  and  disquiet  them,  who 
have  been  the  wonders  of  the  world  for  their  hea- 
venly conversation !  It  is /or  waiit  of  diligence  that 
heaven  itself  is  lost.  When  they  that  have  "  heard 
the  word,  and  anon  with  joy  received  it,  and  have 
done  many  things,  and  heard  "  the  ministers  of  Christ 
gladly,  shall  yet  perish,  should  not  this  rouse  us  out 
of  our  security  %  How  far  hath  many  a  man  fol- 
lowed Christ,  and  yet  forsook  him  when  all  worldly 
interests  and  hopes  were  to  be  renounced  !  God  hath 
resolved  that  heaven  shall  not  be  had  on  easier 
terms.  Rest  must  always  follow  labor.  "  Without 
holiness,  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord."  Seriousness 
is  the  very  thing  wherein  consists  our  sincerity.  If 
thou  art  not  serious,  thou  art  not  a  Christian.  It  is 
not  only  a  high  degree  in  Christianity,  but  the  very 
life  and  essence  of  it.  As  fencers  upon  a  stage  dif- 
.    s.  R.  15* 


174  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

fer  from  soldiers  fighting  for  their  lives,  so  hypo- 
crites differ  from  serious  Christians.  If  men  could 
be  saved  without  this  serious  diligence,  they  would 
never  regard  it ;  all  the  excellencies  of  God's  ways 
would  never  entice  them.  But  when  God  hath  re- 
solved, that,  without  serious  diligence  here,  we  shall 
not  rest  hereafter  is  it  not  wisdom  to  exert  ourselves 
to  the  utmost  ? 

6.  But  to  persuade  thee,  if  possible,  reader,  to  be 
serious  in  thy  endeavors  for  heaven,  let  me  add 
more  considerations.  As,  for  instance,  consider — 
God  is  in  earnest  with  you ;  and  why  should  yon 
not  be  so  with  him  ?  In  his  commands,  his  threaten- 
ings,  his  promises,  he  means  as  he  speaks.  In  his 
judgments  he  is  serious.  Was  he  not  so  when  he 
drowned  the  world,  when  he  consumed  Sodom  and 
Gomorrah,  and  when  he  scattered  the  Jews  ?  Is  it 
time,  then,  to  trifle  with  God  ?  Jesus  Christ  was 
serious  in  purchasing  our  redemption.  In  teaching, 
he  neglected  his  meat  and  drink :  in  prayer,  he 
continued  all  night:  in  doing  good,  his  friends 
thought  him  beside  himself:  in  suffering,  he  fasted 
forty  days,  was  tempted,  betrayed,  spit  upon,  buffet- 
ed, crowned  with  thorns,  sweat  drops  of  blood,  was 
crucified,  pierced,  died.  There  was  no  jesting  in 
all  this.  And  should  we  not  be  serious  in  seeking 
our  own  salvation  ?  The  Holy  Spirit  is  serious  in 
soliciting  us  to  be  happy.  His  motions  are  frequent, 
pressing,  and  importunate.  J'  He  striveth  with  us." 


THE  saints'   rest.  175 

He  is  grieved  when  we  resist  him ;  and  should  we 
not  be  serious,  then,  in  obeying  and  yielding  to  his 
motions?  God  is  serious  in  hearing  our  prayers 
and  bestowing  his  mercies.  He  is  afflicted  with  us. 
He  "  regardeth  every  groan  and  sigh,  and  puts 
every  tear  into  his  bottle."  The  next  time  thou  art 
in  trouble,  thou  wilt  beg  for  a  serious  regard  of  thy 
prayers.  And  shall  we  expect  real  mercies,  when 
we  are  slight  and  superficial  in  the  work  of  God  ? 
The  ministers  of  Christ  are  serious  in  exhorting 
and  instructing  you.  They  beg  of  God,  and  of  you ; 
and  long  more  for  the  salvation  of  your  souls,  than 
for  any  worldly  good.  If  they  kill  themselves  for 
their  labor,  or  suffer  martyrdom  for  preaching  the 
Gospel,  they  think  their  lives  are  well  bestowed,  so 
that  they  prevail  for  the  saving  of  your  souls.  And 
shall  other  men  be  so  painful  and  careful  for  your 
salvation,  and  you  be  so  careless  and  negligent  of 
your  own  ?  Hoio  diligent  and  serious  are  all  the 
creatures  in  serving  you !  What  haste  makes  the 
sun  to  compass  the  world !  The  fountains  are  al- 
ways flowing  for  thy  use ;  the  rivers  still  running ; 
spring  and  harvest  keep  their  times.  How  hard 
does  thy  ox  labor  for  thee  from  day  to  day  !  How 
speedily  does  thy  horse  travel  with  thee !  And  shall 
thou  only  be  negligent  ?  Shall  all  these  be  so  seri- 
ous in  serving  thee,  and  thou  so  careless  in  thy  ser- 
vice to  God  ?  The  servants  of  the  world  and  the 
devil  are  serious  and  diligent.    They  work  as  if 


176  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING 

they  could  never  do  enough ;  they  make  haste,  as  if 
afraid  of  coming  to  hell  too  late :  they  bear  down 
ministers,  sermons,  and  all  before  them.  And  shall 
they  be  more  diligent  for  damnation,  than  thou  for 
salvation  ?  Hast  thou  not  a  better  Master,  sweeter 
employment,  greater  encouragements,  and  a  better 
reward  ?  Time  was  when  thou  wast  serious  thy- 
self in  serving  Satan  and  the  flesh,  if  it  be  not  so 
yet.  How  eagerly  didst  thou  follow  thy  sports,  thy 
evil  company,  and  sinful  delights  !  And  wilt  thou 
not  now  be  as  earnest  and  violent  for  God  1  You 
are  to  this  day  in  earnest  about  the  things  of  this 
life.  If  you  are  sick  or  in  pain,  what  serious  com- 
plaints do  you  utter !  If  you  are  poor,  how  hard 
do  you  labor  for  a  livelihood  !  And  is  not  the  busi- 
ness of  your  salvation  of  far  greater  moment? 
There  is  no  jesting  in  heaven  or  hell.  The  saints 
have  a  real  happiness,  and  the  damned  a  real  mis- 
ery. There  are  no  remiss  or  sleepy  praises  in 
heaven,  nor  such  lamentations  in  hell.  All  there 
are  in  earnest.  When  thou,  reader,  shalt  come  to 
death  and  judgment,  O  what  deep,  heart-piercing 
thoughts  wilt  thou  have  of  eternity !  Methinks  I 
foresee  thee  already  astonished  to  think  how  thou 
couldst  possibly  make  so  light  of  these  things.  Me- 
thinks I  even  hear  thee  crying  out  of  thy  stupidity 
and  madness. 

And  now,  reader,  having  laid  down  these  unde- 
niable arofuments,  I  do,  in  the  name  of  God,  de 


THE    saints'    rest.  177 

mand  thy  resolution :  wilt  thou  yield  obedience  or 
not  ?  I  am  confident  thy  conscience  is  convinced  of 
thy  duty.  Darest  thou  now  go  on  in  thy  common, 
careless  course,  against  the  plain  evidence  of  reason 
and  commands  of  God,  and  against  the  light  ot 
thy  own  conscience  ?  Darest  thou  live  as  loosely, 
sin  as  boldly,  and  pray  as  seldom  as  before  % 
Darest  thou  profane  the  Sabbath,  slight  the  service 
of  God,  and  think  of  thine  everlasting  state  as  care- 
lessly as  before  ?  Or  dost  thou  not  rather  resolve 
to  "  gird  up  the  loins  of  thy  mind,"  and  set  thyself 
wholly  to  the  work  of  thy  salvation,  and  break 
through  the  oppositions,  and  slight  the  scoffs  and 
persecutions  of  the  world,  and  "  lay  aside  every 
weight,  and  the  sin  which  doth  so  easily  beset  thee, 
and  run  with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  before 
thee  ?"  I  hope  these  are  thy  full  resolutions.  Yet, 
because  I  know  the  obstinacy  of  the  heart  of  man, 
and  because  I  am  solicitous  thy  soul  might  live,  I 
once  more  entreat  thy  attention  to  the  following 
questions ;  and  I  command  thee  from  God,  that 
thou  stifle  not  thy  conscience,  nor  resist  conviction  ; 
but  answer  them  faithfully,  and  obey  accordingly. 
If  by  being  diligent  in  godliness,  you  could  grow 
rich,  get  honor,  or  preferment  in  the  world,  be  re- 
covered from  sickness,  or  live  for  ever  in  prosperity 
on  earth,  what  lives  would  you  lead,  and  what  pains 
would  you  take  in  the  service  of  God  ?  And  is  not  the 
saints'  rest  a  more  excellent  happiness  than  all  this? 


178  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKIN 

If  it  were  felony  to  break  the  Sabbath,  negfect  se- 
cret or  family  worship,  or  be  loose  in  your  lives, 
what  manner  of  persons  would  you  then  be  ?  And 
IS  not  eternal  death  more  terrible  than  temporal  ?  It 
God  usually  punished  with  some  present  judgment 
every  act  of  sin,  as  he  did  the  lie  of  Ananias  and 
Sapphira,  what  kind  of  lives  would  you  lead?  And 
is  not  eternal  wrath  far  more  terrible  ?  If  one  or 
your  acquaintance  should  come  from  the  dead  and 
tell  you  that  he  suffered  the  torments  of  hell  for 
those  sins  you  are  guilty  of,  what  manner  of  per- 
sons would  you  be  afterwards  ?  How  much  more 
should  the  warnings  of  God  affright  you?  If  you 
knew  that  this  Avere  the  last  day  yoa  had  to  live  in 
the  world,  how  would  you  spend  it  ?  And  you 
know  not  but  it  may  be  your  last,  and  are  sure  your 
last  is  near.  If  you  had  seen  the  general  dissolu- 
tion of  the  world,  and  all  the  pomp  and  glory  of  it 
consumed  to  ashes,  what  would  such  a  sight  per- 
suade thee  to  do  ?  Such  a  sight  you  shall  certainly 
see.  If  you  had  seen  the  judgment-seat,  and  the 
books  opened,  and  the  wicked  stand  trembling  on 
the  left  hand  of  the  Judge,  and  the  godly  rejoicing 
on  the  right  hand,  and  their  different  sentences  pro- 
nounced, what  persons  would  you  have  been  after 
such  a  sight !  This  sight  you  shall  one  day  surely 
see.  If  you  had  seen  hell  open,  and  all  the  damned 
there  in  their  endless  torments ;  also  heaven  opened, 
as  Stephen  did,  and  all  the  saints  there  triumphing 


THE  saints'  rest.  179 

in  glory ;  what  a  life  would  you  lead  after  such 
sights !  These  you  will  see  before  it  be  long.  If 
you  had  lain  in  hell  but  one  year,  or  one  day,  or 
hour,  and  there  felt  the  torments  you  now  hear  of, 
how  seriously  would  you  then  speak  of  hell,  and 
pray  against  it !  And  will  you  not  take  God's  word 
for  the  truth  of  this,  except  you  feel  it  ?  Or,  if  you 
had  possessed  the  glory  of  heaven  but  one  year, 
what  pains  would  you  take  rather  than  be  deprived 
of  such  incomparable  glory  !  Thus  I  have  said 
enough,  if  not  to  stir  up  the  sinner  to  a  serious 
working  out  his  salvation,  yet  at  least  to  silence 
him,  and  leave  him  inexcusable  at  the  judgment  of 
God.  Only  as  we  do  by  our  friends  when  they  are 
dead,  and  our  words  and  actions  can  do  them  no 
good,  yet  to  testify  our  affection  for  them  wf  weep 
and  mourn,  so  will  I  also  do  for  these  unhappy 
souls.  It  makes  my  heart  tremble  to  think  how 
they  will  stand  before  the  Lord,  confounded  and 
speechless  !  When  he  shall  say,  "Was  the  world, 
or  Satan,  a  better  friend  to  you  than  I?  or  had 
they  done  for  you  more  than  I  had  done  ?  Try  now 
whether  they  will  save  you,  or  recompense  you  for 
the  loss  of  heaven,  or  be  as  good  to  you  as  I  would 
have  been" — what  will  the  wretched  sinner  answer 
to  any  of  this  ?  But,  though  man  will  not  hear,  we 
may  hope  in  speaking  to  God.  "  0  thou  that  didst 
weep  and  groan  in  spirit  over  a  dead  Lazarus,  pity 
these  dead  and  senseless  souls,  till  they  are  able  to 


180  THE    NECESSITY    OF    SEEKING,    &c. 

weep  and  groan  in  pity  to  themselves  \  As  thoa 
hast  bid  thy  servants  speak,  so  speak  now  thyself. 
They  will  hear  thy  voice  speaking  to  their  hearts, 
who  will  not  hear  mine  speaking  to  their  ear».  Lord, 
thou  hast  long  knocked  at  these  hearts  in  vain  j 
now  break  the  doors,  and  enter  in." 

To  show  the  godly  why  they,  above  all  men, 
should  be  laborious  for  heaven,  I  desire  to  ask  them, 
What  manner  of  persons  should  those  be  whom 
God  hath  chosen  to  be  vessels  of  mercy  1  who  have 
felt  the  smart  of  their  negligence  in  their  new  birth, 
in  their  troubles  of  conscience,  m  their  doubts  and 
fears,  and  in  other  sharp  afflictions  ?  who  have  often 
confessed  their  sins  of  negligence  to  God  in  prayer? 
who  have  bound  themselves  to  God  by  so  many 
covenants?  What  manner  of  persons  should  they 
be,  who  are  near  to  God  as  the  children  of  his  family ; 
who  have  tasted  such  sweetness  m  diligent  obe- 
dience ;  who  are  m^ny  of  them  so  UTicertain  what 
shall  everlastingly  become  of  their  sonls?  What 
manner  of  persons  should  they  be  in  holiness,  whose 
ganctification  is  so  imperfect ;  whose  lives  and  duties 
are  so  important  to  the  saving  or  destroying  a  nml- 
titude  of  souls;  and  on  whom  the  glory  of  the  great 
God  so  much  depends  ?  Since  these  things  are  so,  I 
charge  thee,  Christian,  in  thy  Master's  name,  to  con- 
sider and  resolve  the  question,  "  What  manner  of 
persons  ought  we  to  be  in  all  holy  cotiversation  and 
godliness  ?"  And  let  thy  life  answer  the  question  as 
well  as  thy  tongue-. 


OUR    TITLE    TO    THE    SAINTs'    REST.  181 

CHAPTER    VIII. 

now   TO  DISCERN   OUR   TITLE   TO   THE   SAlNTs'   REST. 

Self-examination  urged,  1.  From  the  possibility  of  arriving 
at  a  certainty ;  2.  From  the  hinderaiwcs  which  loill  be  thrown 
in  our  way  by  Satan,  sinners,  our  own  hearts,  and  mdrvy 
other  causes ;  3,  From,  considering  ho\u  easy,  common,  and 
dangerous  it  is  to  be  mistaken ;  that  trying  tvill  not  be  so 
painful  as  the  neglect ;  that  God  will  soon  try  us,  and  that 
to  try  ourselves  will  be  proftable.  4.  Directions  how  to  try. 
5.  Marks  for  trial,  particularly,  Do  ive  make  God  our  chief 
good  ?  Do  we  heartily  accept  of  Chnstfor  our  Lord  and 
Savior  ? 

Is  there  such,  a  glorious  rest  so  near  at  hand  ? 
and  shall  none  enjoy  it  but  the  people  of  God? 
What  mean  most  of  the  world,  then,  to  live  so  con- 
tentedly without  assurance  of  their  interests  in  this 
rest,  and  neglect  the  trying  of  their  title  to  it  ?  When 
the  Lord  has  so  fully  opened  the  blessedness  of  that 
kingdom  which  none  but  obedient  believers  shall 
possess ;  and  so  fully  expressed  those  torments 
which  the  rest  of  the  world  must  eternally  suffer; 
methinks  they  that  believe  this  to  be  certainly  true, 
should  never  be  at  any  quiet  in  themselves,  till  they 
are  fully  assured  of  their  being  heirs  of  the  king- 
dom. Lord,  what  a  strange  madness  is  this,  that 
men,  v/ho  know  they  must  presently  enter  upon  un- 
changeable joy  or  pain,  should  yet  live,  as  uncertain 

S.   R,  13 


182  '  OUR    TITLE    TO 

what  shall  be  their  doom  as  if  they  had  never  heatd 
of  any  such  state ;  yea,  and  live  as  quietly  and  mer- 
rily in  this  uncertainty,  as  if  all  were  made  sure, 
and  there  were  no  danger  1  Are  these  men  alive  or 
dead  ?  Are  they  awake  or  asleep  ?  What  do  they 
think  on  ?  Where  are  their  hearts  ?  If  they  have 
but  a  weighty  suit  at  law,  how  careful  are  they  to 
know  whether  it  will  go  for  or  against  them !  If 
they  were  to  be  tried  for  their  lives  at  an  earthly 
bar,  how  careful  would  they  be  to  know  whether 
they  should  be  saved  or  condemned,  especially  if 
their  care  might  surely  save  them !  If  they  be  dan- 
gerously sick,  they  will  inquire  of  the  physician, 
What  think  you,  sir ;  shall  I  escape,  or  not  ?  But  in 
the  business  of  their  salvation  they  are  content  to  be 
uncertain.  If  you  ask  most  men  "  a  reason  of  the 
hope  that  is  in  them,"  they  will  say,  "  Because  God 
is  merciful,  and  Christ  died  for  sinners,"  and  the 
like  general  reasons,  which  any  man  in  the  world 
may  give  as  well  as  th«y ;  but  put  them  to  prove 
their  interest  in  Christ,  and  in  the  saving  mercy  of 
God,  and  they  can  say  nothing  to  the  purpose.  If 
God  or  man  should  say  to  them,  What  case  is  thy 
soul  in,  man  ?  is  it  regenerate,  sanctified,  and  par- 
doned, or  not  ?  He  would  say,  as  Cain  of  Abel,  "  I 
know  not ;  am  I  my  soul's  keeper  ?  I  hope  well  ; 
I  trust  God  with  my  soul ;  I  shall  speed  as  well  as 
other  men  do ;  I  thank  God,  I  never  made  any  doubt 
of  my  salvation."  Thou  hast  cause  to  doubt,  because 


\ 


183 

thou  never  didst  doubt ;  and  yet  more,  because  thou 
hast  been  so  careless  in  thy  confidence.  What  do 
thy  expressions  discover,  but  a  willful  neglect  of  thy 
o^vn  salvation  ?  as  a  ship-master  that  should  let  his 
vessel  alone,  and  say,  "  I  will  venture  it  among  the 
rocks,  and  waves,  and  -winds ;  I  will  trust  God  with 
it ;  it  will  speed  as  well  as  other  vessels."  What  hor- 
rible abuse  of  God  is  this,  to  pretend  to  trust  God,  to 
cloak  their  own  willful  negligence !  If  thou  didst 
really  trust  God,  thou  wouldst  also  be  ruled  by  him, 
and  trust  him  in  his  o\vn  appointed  way.  He  re- 
quires thee  to  give  "  diligence  to  make  thy  calling 
and  election  sure,"  and  so  trust  him.  He  hath  mark- 
ed thee  out  a  way  in  Scripture,  by  which  thou  art 
charged  to  search  and  try  thyself,  and  mayst  arrive 
at  certainty.  Were  he  not  a  foolish  traveler,  that 
would  hold  on  his  way  when  he  does  not  know  whe- 
ther he  be  right  or  wTong ;  and  say,  "  I  hope  I  am 
right ;  I  will  go  on,  and  trust  in  God  ?"  Art  thou  not 
guilty  of  this  folly  in  thy  travels  to  eternity?  not 
considering  that  a  little  serious  inquiry  whether  thy 
way  be  right,  might  save  thee  a  great  deal  of  labor, 
which  thou  bestowest  in  vain,  and  must  undo  again, 
or  else  thou  wilt  miss  of  salvation  and  undo  thyself. 
How  canst  thou  think  or  speak  of  the  great  God 
without  terror,  as  long  as  thou  art  uncertain  whe- 
ther  he  be  thy  father  or  thy  enemy,  and  knowest 
not  but  all  his  perfections  may  be  employed  against 
thee  ?  or  of  Jesus  Christ,  when  thou  knowest  not 


184    '  OUR    TITLE    TO 

whether  his  blood  hath  purged  thy  soul ;  whether 
he  will  condemn  or  acquit  thee  in  judgment;  or 
Avhether  he  be  the  foundation  of  thy  happiness,  or  a 
stone  of  stumbling  to  break  thee,  and  grind  thee  to 
powder  ?  How  canst  thou  open  the  Bible  and  read 
a  chapter,  but  it  should  terrify  thee?  Methinks, 
every  leaf  should  bs  to  thee  as  Belshazzar's  writing 
on  the  wall,  except  only  that  which  draws  thee  to 
try  and  reform.  If  thou  readest  the  promises,  thou 
knowest  not  whether  they  shall  be  fulfilled  to  thee. 
If  thou  readest  the  threatenings,  for  any  thing  thou 
knowest,  thou  readest  thy  own  sentence.  No  won- 
der thou  art  an  enemy  to  plain  preaching,  and  say  of 
the  minister,  as  Ahab  of  the  prophet,  "  I  hate  him, 
for  he  doth  not  prophesy  good  concerning  me,  but 
evil."  How  canst  thou  without  terror  join  in  pray- 
er 7  When  thou  receivest  the  Lord's  supper,  thou 
knowest  not  whether  it  be  thy  bane  or  bliss.  What 
comfort  canst  thou  find  in  thy  friends,  and  honors, 
and  houses,  and  lands,  till  thou  knowest  thou  hast 
the  love  of  God  with  them,  and  shalt  have  rest  with 
him  when  thou  leavest  them  ?  Offer  a  prisoner,  be- 
fore he  knows  his  sentence,  either  music,  or  clothes, 
or  preferment ;  what  are  they  to  him,  till  he  knows 
he  shall  escape  with  his  life?  for,  if  he  knows  he 
must  die  the  next  day,  it  will  be  small  comfort  to  die 
rich  or  honorable.  Methinks  it  should  be  so  with 
thee,  till  thou  knowest  thy  eternal  state.  When 
thou  liest  down  to  take  thy  rest,  methinks  the  un- 


THE  saints'  rest.  185 

certainty  of  thy  salvation  should  keep  thee  waking, 
or  amaze  thee  in  thy  dreams  and  trouble  thy  sleep. 
Doth  it  not  grieve  thee  to  see  the  people  of  God  so 
comfortable  in  their  way  to  glory,  when  thou  hast 
no  good  hope  of  ever  enjoying  it  thyself?  How 
canst  thou  think  of  thy  dying  hour  ?  Thou  knowest 
it  is  near,  and  there  is  no  avoiding  it,  nor  any  medi- 
cine found  out  that  can  prevent  it.  If  thou  shouldst 
die  this  day,  (and  "  who  knows  what  a  day  may 
bring  forth?")  thou  art  not  certain  whether  thou 
shalt  go  to  heaven  or  hell.  And  canst  thou  be  mer- 
ry till  thou  art  gone  out  of  this  dangerous  state  ? 
What  shift  dost  thou  make  to  preserve  thy  heart 
from  horror,  when  thou  rememberest  the  great 
judgment  day,  and  everlasting  flames  ?  When  thou 
hearest  of  it,  dost  thou  not  tremble  as  Felix  ?  If  the 
•'  keepers  shook,  and  became  as  dead  men,  when 
they  saw  the  angel  come  and  roll  back  the  stone 
from  Christ's  sepulchre,"  how  canst  thou  think  of 
living  in  hell  with  devils,  till  thou  hast  some  well- 
grounded  assurance  that  thou  shalt  escape  it  ?  Thy 
bed  is  very  soft,  or  thy  heart  is  very  hard,  if  thou 
canst  sleep  soundly  in  this  uncertain  case. 

If  this  general  uncertainty  of  the  world  about 
their  salvation  were  remediless,  then  must  it  be 
borne  as  other  unavoidable  miseries.  But,  alas! 
the  common  cause  is  willful  negligence.  Men  will 
not  be  persuaded  to  use  the  remedy.  The  great 
means  to  conquer  this  uncertainty  is  self-examina- 

s.    R.  16* 


186  OUR    TITLE    TO 

tion,  or  tlie  serious  and  diligent  trying  of  a  man's 
heart  and  state  by  the  rule  of  Scripture.  Ehher 
men  understand  not  the  nature  and  use  of  this  duty, 
or  else  they  will  not  be  at  the  pains  to  try.  Go 
through  a  congregation  of  a  thousand  men,  and 
how  few  of  them  shall  you  meet  wuth  that  ever  be- 
stowed one  hour  in  all  their  lives  in  a  close  exami- 
nation of  their  title  to  heaven !  Ask  your  own  con- 
science, reader,  when  was  the  time,  and  where  was 
the  place,  that  ever  you  solemnly  took  your  heart  to 
task,  as  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  examined  it  by 
Scripture,  whether  it  be  renewed  or  not ;  whether 
it  be  holy  or  not ;  whether  it  be  set  most  on  God  or 
the  creatures,  on  heaven  or  earth  ?  And  v/hen  did 
you  follow  on  this  examination  till  you  had  disco- 
vered your  condition,  and  pass  sentence  on  yourself 
accordingly  ?  But  because  this  is  a  work  of  so  high 
importance,  and  so  commonly  neglected,  I  will 
therefore  show  that  it  is  possible,  by  trying,  to  come 
to  a  certainty ;  what  hinders  men  from  trying  and 
knowing  their  state?  then  offer  motives  to  examine, 
and  directions;  together  with  some  marks  out  of 
Scripture,  by  which  you  may  try,  and  certainlv 
know,  whether  you  are  the  people  of  God  or  not. 

1.  Scripture  shows  that  the  certainty  of  salvation 
may  be  attained,  and  ought  to  he  labored  for,  when 
it  tells  us  so  frequently  that  the  saints  before  us 
have  known  their  justification  and  future  salvation  : 
when  it  declares,  that  "  whosoever  believeth  in  Christ 


THE  saints'  rest.  187 

shall  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life ;"  which 
it  Avould  be  in  vain  to  declare,  if  we  cannot  know 
ourselves  to  be  believers  or  not;  when  it  makes 
such  a  wide  difference  between  the  children  of  God 
and  the  children  of  the  devil ;  when  it  bids  us  "  give 
diligence  to  make  our  calling  and  election  sure ;" 
and  earnestly  urges  us  to  "  examine,  prove,  know 
our  own  selves,  whether  we  be  in  the  faith,  and  whe- 
ther Jesus  Christ  be  in  us,  except  we  be  reprobates ;" 
also,  when  its  precepts  require  us  to  rejoice  always, 
to  call  God  our  Father,  to  live  in  his  praises,  to  love 
Christ's  appearing,  to  Avish  that  he  may  come  quick- 
ly, and  to  comfort  ourselves  with  the  mention  of  it. 
But  who  can  do  any  of  these  heartily,  that  is  not,  in 
some  measure,  sure  that  he  is  the  child  of  God  ? 

2.  Among  the  many  hinderances  which  keep  men 
from  self-examination,  we  cannot  doubt  but  Satan 
will  do  his  part.  If  all  the  power  he  hath,  or  all 
the  means  and  instruments  he  can  employ,  can  do  it, 
he  will  be  sure,  above  all  duties,  to  keep  you  from 
this.  He  is  loth  the  godly  should  have  the  joy,  as- 
surance, and  advantage  against  corruption,  which 
the  faithful  performance  of  self-examination  would 
procure  them.  As  for  the  ungodly,  he  knows,  if 
they  should  once  earnestly  examine,  they  would  find 
out  his  deceits  and  their  own  danger,  and  so  be  very 
likely  to  escape  him.  How  could  he  get  so  many 
millions  to  hell  willingly,  if  they  knew  they  were 
going  thither?  And  how  could  they  avoid  knowing 


188  OUR    TITLE    TO 

it,  if  they  did  but  thoroughly  try ;  having  such  a 
clear  light  and  sure  rule  in  the  Scripture  to  discover 
it  ?  If  the  snare  be  not  hid,  the  bird  will  escape  it. 
Satan  knows  how  to  angle  for  souls  better  than  to 
show  them  the  hook  and  line,  or  fright  them  away 
with  a  noise,  or  with  his  own  appearance.  There- 
fore he  labors  to  keep  them  from  a  searching  minis- 
try ;  or  to  keep  the  minister  from  helping  them  to 
search,  or  to  take  off  the  edge  of  the  word,  that  it 
may  not  pierce  and  divide ;  or  to  turn  away  their 
thoughts ;  or  to  possess  them  with  prejudice.  Satan 
knows  when  the  minister  has  provided  a  searching 
sermon,  fitted  to  the  state  and  necessity  of  a  hearer  ; 
and  therefore  he  will  keep  him  away  that  day,  if  it 
be  possible ;  or  cast  him  into  a  sleep ;  or  steal  away 
ths  word  by  the  cares  and  talk  of  the  world ;  or  some 
way  prevent  its  operation. 

Another  great  hinderance  to  self-examination 
arises  from  wicked  men.  Their  examples;  their 
merry  company  and  discourse ;  their  continually  in- 
sisting on  worldly  concerns  ;  their  raillery  and  scoffs 
at  godly  persons:  also  their  persuasions,  allure- 
ments, and  threats,  are  each  of  them  exceedingly 
great  temptations  to  security.  God  doth  scarcely 
ever  open  the  eyes  of  a  poor  sinner  to  see  that  hi? 
way  is  wrong,  but  presently  there  is  a  multitude  of 
Satan's  apostles  ready  to  deceive  and  settle  him 
again  in  the  quiet  possession  of  his  former  master. 
•*  What !"  say  they,  "  do  you  make  a  doubt  of  your 


THE  saints'  rest.  189 

salvation,  who  have  lived  so  well,  and  done  nobody 
any  harm  ?  God  is  merciful ;  and  if  such  as  you 
shall  not  be  saved,  God  help  a  great  many  !  What 
do  you  think  of  all  your  forefathers  ?  And  what  will 
become  of  all  your  friends  and  neighbors  that  live 
as  you  do  ?  Will  they  all  be  damned  1  Come,  come, 
if  you  hearken  to  these  preachers,  they  will  drive 
you  out  of  your  wits.  Are  not  all  men  sinners  ? 
and  did  not  Christ  die  to  save  sinners  ?  Never  trou- 
ble your  head  with  these  thoughts,  and  you  shall  do 
well."  O,  how  many  thousands  have  such  charms 
kept  asleep  in  deceit  and  security,  till  death  and  hell 
have  awakened  them !  The  Lord  calls  to  the  sinner, 
and  tells  him,  "  The  gate  is  strait,  the  way  is  nar- 
row, and  few  find  it ;  try  and  examine ;  give  dili- 
gence to  make  sure."  The  world  cries,  "  Never 
doubt,  never  trouble  yourselves  with  these  thoughts." 
In  this  strait,  sinner,  consider,  it  is  Christ,  and  not 
your  forefathers,  or  neighbors,  or  friends,  that  must 
judge  you  at  last :  and,  if  Christ  condemn  you,  these 
cannot  save  you ;  therefore  common  reason  may  tell 
you,  that  it  is  not  from  the  words  of  ignorant  men, 
but  from  the  word  of  God  you  must  fetch  your 
hopes  of  salvation.  When  Ahab  would  incjuire 
among  the  multitude  of  flattering  prophets,  it  was 
his  death.  They  can  flatter  men  into  the  snare,  but 
they  cannot  tell  how  to  bring  them  out.  "  Let  no 
man  deceive  you  with  vain  words ;  for,  because  of 
these  things  cometh  the  wrath  of  God  upon  the  chil- 


^ 


190  OUR    TITLE    TO 

dren  of  disobedience :  be  not  ye  therefore  partakers 
with  them." 

But  the  greatest  hinderances  are  in  men's  own 
hearts.  Some  are  so  ignorant,  that  they  know  not 
what  self-examination  is,  nor  what  a  minister  means 
when  he  persuades  them  to  try  themselves ;  or  they 
know  not  that  there  is  any  necessity  for  it,  but  think 
every  man  is  bound  to  believe  that  his  sins  are  par- 
doned, whether  it  be  true  or  false,  and  that  it  is  a 
great  fault  to  make  any  question  of  it ;  or  they  do 
not  think  that  assurance  can  be  attained ;  or  that 
there  is  any  great  difference  between  one  man  and 
another,  but  that  we  are  all  Christians,  and  there- 
fore need  not  trouble  ourselves  any  further ;  or  at 
least  they  know  not  wherein  the  difference  lies. 
They  have  as  gross  an  idea  of  regeneration  as 
Nicodemus  had.  Some  will  not  believe  that  God 
will  ever  make  such  a  difference  betwixt  men  in 
the  life  to  come,  and  therefore  will  not  search  them- 
selves, whether  they  differ  here.  Some  are  so  stu- 
pified,  say  what  we  can  to  them,  that  they  lay  it  not 
to  heart,  but  give  us  the  hearing,  and  there  is  the 
end.  Some  are  so  possessed  with  self-love  and  pride, 
that  they  will  not  so  much  as  suspect  they  are  in 
danger;  like  a  proud  tradesman,  who  scorns  the 
prudent  advice  of  casting  up  his  books ;  as  fond 
parents  will  not  believe  or  hear  any  evil  of  theii 
children.  Some  are  so  guilty  that  they  dare  not  try 
and  yet  they  dare  venture  on  a  more  dreadful  trial. 


THE  saints'  rest.  191 

Some  are  so  in  love  with  sin,  and  so  dislike  the 
way  of  God,  that  they  dare  not  try  their  ways,  lest 
they  be  forced  from  the  course  they  love  to  that 
which  they  loathe.  Some  are  so  resolved  never  to 
change  their  present  state,  that  they  neglect  exami- 
nation as  a  useless  thing.  Before  they  will  seek  a 
new  way,  when  they  have  lived  so  long,  and  gone 
so  far,  they  will  put  their  eternal  state  to  the  venture, 
come  of  it  what  will.  Many  men  are  so  busy  in  the 
world,  that  they  cannot  set  themselves  to  the  try- 
ing of  their  title  to  heaven.  Others  are  so  clog- 
ged with  slothfulness  of  spirit,  that  they  will  not 
be  at  the  pains  of  an  hour's  examination  of  their 
own  hearts.  But  the  most  common  and  dangerous 
impediment  is  that  false  faith  and  hope,  commonly 
called  presumption,  which  bears  up  the  hearts  of 
the  greatest  part  of  the  world,  and  so  keeps  them 
from  suspecting  their  danger. 

And  if  a  man  should  break  through  all  these  hin- 
derances,  and  set  upon  the  duty  of  self-examination, 
yet  assurance  is  not  presently  attained.  Too  many 
deceive  themselves  in  their  inquiries  after  it,  through 
one  or  other  of  the  following  causes ;  there  is  such 
confusion  and  darkness  in  the  soul  of  man,  espe 
cially  of  an  unregenerate  man,  that  he  can  scarcely 
tell  what  he  doth,  or  what  is  in  him.  As  in  a  house, 
where  nothing  is  in  its  proper  place,  it  will  be  diffi- 
cult to  find  what  is  wanted,  so  it  is  in  the  heart 
where  all  things  are  in  disorder.    Most  men  accu8« 


192  OUIl    TITLE    TO 

torn  themselves  to  be  strangers  at  home,  and  too 
little  observe  the  temper  and  motions  of  their  own 
liearts.  Many  are  resolved  what  to  judge  before 
they  try ;  like  a  bribed  judge,  who  examines  as  if 
he  would  judge  uprightly,  when  he  is  previously 
resolved  which  way  the  cause  shall  go.  Men  are 
partial  in  their  own  cause;  ready  to  think  their 
great  sins  small,  and  their  small  sins  none ;  their 
gifts  of  nature  to  be  the  work  of  grace,  and  to  say, 
"  All  these  have  I  kept  from  my  youth  :"  I  am  rich, 
and  increased  in  goods,  and  have  need  of  nothing. 
Most  men  search  but  by  the  halves. ' '  If  it  will  not 
easily  and  quickly  be  done,  they  are  discouraged, 
and  leave  off  They  try  themselves  by  false  marks 
and  rules  ;  not  knowing  wherein  the  truth  of  Chris- 
tianity doth  consist;  some  looking  beyond,  and 
some  short  of  the  Scripture  standard.  And  fre- 
quently they  miscarry  in  this  work,  by  attemplmg 
It  in  their  own  strength.  As  some  expect  the  Spirit 
should  do  it  without  them,  so  others  attempt  it  them- 
selves, without  seeking  or  expecting  the  hc'p  of 
the  Spirit.  Both  these  will  certainly  miscarry  in 
their  assurance. 

Some  other  hinderances  keep  even  true  Christians 
from  comfortable  certainty.  As,  for  instance,  the 
weakness  of  grace.  Small  things  are  hardly  dis- 
cerned. Most  Christians  content  themselves  with  a 
small  measure  of  grace,  and  do  not  follow  on  to  spi- 
ritual strength  and  manhood.     The  chief  remedy 


THE    SA1.\TS     REST.  193 

tor  such  would  be  to  follow  on  their  duty,  till  their 
graces  be  increased.  Wait  upon  God  in  the  use  of 
his  prescribed  means,  and  he  will  undoubtedly  bless 
you  with  increase.  O  that  Christians  would  bestow 
most  of  that  time  in  getting  more  grace,  which  they 
bestow  in  anxious  doubtings  whether  they  have  any 
or  none;  and  lay  out  those  serious  affections  in 
praying  for  more  grace,  which  they  bestow  in  fruit- 
less complaints  !  I  beseech  thee,  Christian,  take  this 
advice  as  from  God ;  and  then,  when  thou  believest 
strongly,  and  lovest  fervently,  thou  canst  no  more 
doubt  of  thy  faith  and  love,  than  a  man  that  is  very 
hot  can  doubt  of  his  warmth,  or  a  man  that  is  strong 
and  lusty  can  doubt  of  his  being  alive.  Christians 
hinder  their  own  comfort  by  looking  more  at  signs, 
which  tell  them  what  they  are,  than  at  precepts, 
which  tell  them  what  they  should  do ;  as  if  their 
present  case  must  needs  be  their  everlasting  case; 
and  if  they  be  now  unpardoned,  there  were  no  re- 
medy. Were  he  not  mad,  that  would  lie  weeping 
because  he  is  not  pardoned,  when  his  prince  stands 
by  all  the  while,  offering  him  a  pardon,  and  per- 
suading him  to  accept  of  it  ?  Justifying  faith,  Chris- 
tian, is  not  thy  persuasion  of  God's  special  love  to 
thee,  but  thy  accepting  Christ  to  make  thee  lovely. 
It  is  far  better  to  accept  Christ  as  offered,  than  spena 
so  much  time  in  doubting  whether  we  have  Christ 
or  not.  Another  cause  of  distress  to  Christians  is, 
their  mistaking  assurance  for  the  joy  that  sometimes 
s.   R.  17 


194  OUR    TITLE    TO 

accompanies  it ;  as  if  a  child  should  take  himself  for 
a  son  no  longer  than  while  he  sees  the  smiles  of  hia 
father's  face,  or  hears  the  comfortable  expressions  of 
his  mouth ;  and  as  if  the  father  ceased  to  be  a  father 
whenever  he  ceased  those  smiles  and  speeches.  The 
trouble  of  souls  is  also  increased  by  their  not  know- 
ing the  ordinary  way  of  God's  conveying  comfort. 
They  think  they  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  wait  when 
God  will  bestow  it.  But  they  must  know  that  the 
matter  of  their  comfort  is  in  the  promises,  and  thence 
they  must  fetch  it  as  often  as  they  expect  it,  by  daily 
and  diligently  meditating  upon  the  promises  ;  and  in 
this  way  they  may  expect  the  Spirit  will  communi- 
cate comfort  to  their  souls.  The  joy  of  the  promi- 
ses and  the  joy  of  the  Holy  Ghost  are  one :  add  to 
this,  their  expecting  a  greater  measure  of  assurance 
than  God  usually  bestows.  As  long  as  they  have 
any  doubting,  they  think  they  have  no  assurance. 
They  consider  not  that  there  are  many  degrees  of 
certainty.  While  they  are  here,  they  shall  "  know 
but  in  part."  Add  also  their  deriving  their  com- 
fort at  first  from  insufficient  grounds.  This  may 
be  the  case  of  a  gracious  soul,  who  hath  better 
grounds,  but  doth  not  see  them.  As  an  infant  hath 
life  before  he  knovv^eth  it,  and  many  misapprehen- 
sions of  himself  and  other  things,  yet  it  will  not  fol- 
low that  he  hath  no  life.  So  when  Christians  find 
a  flaw  in  their  first  comforts,  they  are  not  to  judge 
it  a   flaw   in  their  safety.     Many  continue  under 


195 

doubting,  through  the  exceeding  Aveakness  of  their 
natural  parts.  Many  honest  hearts  have  weak 
heads,  and  know  not  how  to  perform  the  work  of 
self-trial.  They  will  acknowledge  the  premises, 
and  yet  deny  the  apparent  conclusion.  If  God  do 
not  some  other  way  supply  the  defect  of  their  rea- 
son, I  see  not  how  they  should  have  clear  and  set- 
tled peace.  One  great  and  too  common  cause  of 
distress  is,  the  secret  maintaining  of  some  kno\\Ti 
sin.  This  abates  the  degree  of  our  graces,  and  so 
makes  them  more  undiscernible.  It  obscureth  that 
which  it  destroyeth  not ;  for  it  beareth  such  sway, 
that  grace  is  not  in  action,  nor  seems  to  stir,  nor  is 
scarce  heard  speak  for  the  noise  of  this  corruption. 
It  puts  out  or  dimmeth  the  eye  of  the  soul,  and  stu- 
pifies  it,  that  it  can  neither  see  nor  feel  its  own  con- 
dition. But  especially  it  provokes  God  to  withdraw 
himself,  his  comforts,  and  the  assistance  of  his  Spi- 
rit, without  which  we  may  search  long  enough  be- 
fore we  have  assurance,  God  hath  made  a  separa- 
tion between  sin  and  peace.  As  long  as  thou  dost 
cherish  thy  pride,  thy  love  of  the  world,  the  desires 
of  the  flesh,  or  any  unchristian  practice,  thou  ex- 
pectest  comfort  in  vain.  If  a  man  "  setteth  up  his 
idols  in  his  heart,  and  putteth  the  stumbling-block 
of  his  iniquity  before  his  face,  and  cometh"  to  a  mi- 
nister, or  to  God,  "to  inquire"  for  comfort,  instead 
of  comforting  him,  God  "will  answer  him  that 
cometh,  according  to  the  multitude  of  his  idols," 


19G  OUR    TITLE    TO 

Another  very  great  and  common  cause  of  the  want 
of  comfort  is,  when  grace  is  not  kept  in  constant  and 
lively  exercise.  The  way  of  painful  duty  is  the 
way  of  fullest  comfort.  Peace  and  comfort  are 
Christ's  great  encouragements  to  faithfulness  and 
obedience ;  and  therefore,  though  our  obedience 
does  not  merit  them,  yet  they  usually  rise  and  fall 
with  our  diligence  in  duty.  As  prayer  must  have 
faith  and  fervency  to  procure  it  success,  besides  the 
blood  and  intercession  of  Christ,  so  must  all  other 
parts  of  our  obedience.  If  thou  grow  seldom,  and 
customary,  and  cold  in  duty,  especially  in  thy  secret 
prayers  to  God,  and  yet  fmdest  no  abatement  in  thy 
joys,  I  cannot  but  fear  thy  joys  are  either  carnal  or 
diabolical.  Besides,  grace  is  never  apparent  and 
sensible  to  the  soul  but  while  it  is  in  action ;  there- 
fore want  of  action  must  cause  want  of  assurance. 
And  the  action  of  the  soul  upon  such  excellent  ob- 
jects naturally  bringeth  consolation  with  it.  The 
very  act  of  loving  God  in  Christ  is  inexpressibly 
sweet.  The  soul  that  is  best  furnished  with  grace, 
when  it  is  not  in  action,  is  like  a  lute  well  stringed 
and  tuned,  which,  while  it  lieth  still,  maketh  no 
more  music  than  a  common  piece  of  wood;  but 
when  it  is  handled  by  a  skillful  musician  the  melo- 
dy is  delightful.  Some  degree  of  comfort  follows 
every  good  action,  as  heat  accompanies  fire,  and  as 
beams  and  influence  issue  from  the  sun.  A  man 
that  is  cold  should  labor  till  heat  be  excited ;  so  he 


I 


f 


THE  saints'  rest.  197 

that  wants  assurance  must  not  stand  still,  but  exer- 
cise his  graces  till  his  doubts  vanish.  The  want  of 
consolation  in  the  soul  is  also  very  commonly  ow- 
ing to  bodily  melancholy.  It  is  no  more  wonder  for 
a  conscientious  man,  under  melancholy,  to  doubt, 
and  fear,  and  despair,  than  for  a  sick  man  to  groan, 
or  a  child  to  cry  when  it  is  chastised.  Without  the 
physician  in  this  case,  the  labors  of  the  divine  are 
usually  in  vain.  You  may  silence,  but  you  cannot 
comfort  them.  You  may  make  them  confess  they 
have  some  grace,  and  yet  cannot  bring  them  to  the 
comfortable  conclusion.  All  the  good  thoughts  of 
their  state,  which  you  can  possibly  help  them  to, 
are  seldom  above  a  day  or  two  old.  They  cry  out 
of  sin  and  the  wrath  of  God,  when  the  chief  cause 
is  in  their  bodily  distemper, 

3.  As  motives  to  the  duty  of  self-examination,  I 
entreat  you  to  consider  the  following: — To  be  de- 
ceived about  your  title  to  heaven  is  very  easy. 
Many  are  now  in  hell,  that  never  suspected  any 
falsehood  in  their  hearts,  that  excelled  in  worldly 
wisdom,  that  lived  in  the  clear  light  of  the  Gospel, 
and  even  preached  against  the  negligence  of  others. 
To  be  mistaken  in  this  great  point  is  also  very  com- 
mon. It  is  the  case  of  most  in  the  world.  In  the 
old  world,  and  in  Sodom,  we  find  none  that  were  in 
any  fear  of  judgment.  Almost  all  men  among  us 
verily  look  to  be  saved;  yet  Christ  tells  us,  "there 
be  few  that  find   the  strait  gate  and  narrow  way 

s.   R.  17* 


198  OUR    TITLE    TO 

which  leadeth  unto  life."  And  if  such  mukitudes 
are  deceived,  should  we  not  search  the  more  dili- 
gently, lest  we  should  be  deceived  as  well  as  they  ? 
Nothing  is  more  dangerous  than  to  be  thus  mista- 
ken. If  the  godly  judge  their  state  worse  than  it  is, 
the  consequences  of  this  mistake  will  be  sorrowful ; 
but  the  mischief  flowing  from  the  mistake  of  the  un- 
godly is  unspeakable.  It  will  exceedingly  confirm 
them  in  the  service  of  Satan.  It  will  render  inef- 
fectual the  means  that  should  do  them  good.  It  will 
keep  a  man  from  compassionating  his  ow^n  soul.  It 
is  a  case  of  the  greatest  moment,  where  everlasting 
salvation  or  damnation  is  to  be  determined.  And  if 
you  mistake  till  death,  you  are  undone  for  ever. 
Seeing,  then,  the  danger  is  so  great,  w^hat  wise  man 
would  not  follow  the  search  of  his  heart  both  day 
and  night,  till  he  were  assured  of  his  safety  1  Con- 
sider how  small  the  labor  of  this  duty  is  in  compari- 
son of  that  sorrow  which  followeth  its  neglect.  You 
can  endure  to  toil  and  sweat  from  year  to  year,  to 
prevent  poverty ;  and  why  not  spend  a  little  time  in 
self-examination,  to  prevent  eternal  misery  ?  By  ne- 
glecting this  duty  you  can  scarce  do  Satan  a  greater 
pleasure,  nor  yourselves  a  greater  injury.  It  is  the 
grand  design  of  the  devil,  in  all  his  temptations,  to 
deceive  you,  and  keep  you  ignorant  of  your  danger 
till  you  feel  the  everlasting  flames  ;  and  will  you  join 
with  him  to  deceive  yourself?  If  you  do  this  for  him, 
you  do  the  greatest  part  of  his  work.    And  hath  he 


THE  saints'   rest.  199 

ijfeserved  so  well  of  you,  that  you  should  assist  him 
in  such  a  design  as  your  damnation  ?  The  time  is 
nigh,  when  God  will  search  you.  If  it  be  but  in 
this  life  by  affliction,  it  will  make  you  wish  that  you 
had  tried  and  judged  yourselves,  that  you  might 
have  escaped  the  judgment  of  God.  It  was  a  terri- 
ble voice  to  Adam,  "  Where  art  thou  ?  Hast  thou 
eaten  of  the  tree?"  And  to  Cain,  "Where  is  thy 
brother?"  Men  "  consider  not  in  their  hearts  that 
I,"  saith  the  Lord,  "remember  all  their  wickedness; 
now  their  own  doings  have  beset  them  aboui ;  they 
are  before  my  face."  Consider  also  what  would  be 
the  sweet  effects  of  this  self-examination.  If  thou 
be  upright  and  godly,  it  wnll  lead  thee  straight  to- 
ward assurance  of  God's  love  ;  if  thou  be  not,  though 
it  will  trouble  thee  at  the  present,  yet  it  will  tend  to 
thy  happiness,  and  at  length  lead  thee  to  the  assu- 
rance of  that  happiness.  Is  it  not  a  desirable  thing 
vo  know  what  shall  befall  us  hereafter;  especially 
what  shall  befall  our  souls ;  and  what  place  and 
state  we  must  be  in  for  ever?  And  as  the  very 
knowledge  itself  is  desirable,  how  much  greater 
wdll  the  comfort  be  of  that  certainty  of  salvation ! 
What  sweet  thoughts  wdlt  thou  have  of  God !  All 
that  greatness  and  justice  which  is  the  terror  oi 
others,  will  be  thy  joy.  How  sweet  may  be  thy 
thoughts  of  Christ,  and  the  blood  he  hath  shed,  and 
the  benefits  he  hath  procured  I  How  welcome  wnll 
he  word  of  God  be  to  thee  and  "  how  beautiful  the 


200  OUR    TITLE    TO 

very  feet  of  those  that  bring  it !"  How  sweet  will  be 
the  promises  when  thou  art  sure  ihey  are  thine  own ! 
The  very  threatenings  will  occasion  thy  comfort,  to 
remember  that  thou  hast  escaped  them.  What  bold- 
ness and  comfort  mayst  thou  then  have  in  prayer, 
when  thou  canst  say,  "  Our  Father,"  in  full  assu- 
rance !  It  will  make  the  Lord's  supper  a  refreshing 
feast  to  thy  soul.  It  will  multiply  the  sweetness  of 
every  common  mercy.  How  comfortably  mayst 
thou  then  undergo  all  afflictions !  How  will  it 
sweeten  thy  forethoughts  of  death  and  judgment,  of 
heaven  and  hell !  How  lively  will  it  make  thee  in 
the  work  of  the  Lord,  and  how  profitable  to  all 
around  thee !  What  vigor  will  it  infuse  into  all  thy 
graces  and  affections,  kindle  thy  repentance,  inflame 
thy  love,  quicken  thy  desires,  and  confirm  thy  faith ; 
be  a  fountain  of  continual  rejoicing,  overflow  thy 
heart  with  thankfulness,  raise  thee  high  in  the  de- 
lightful work  of  praise,  help  thee  to  be  heavenly- 
minded,  and  render  thee  persevering  in  all !  All 
these  sweet  effects  of  assurance  would  make  thy  life 
a  heaven  upon  earth. 

Though  I  am  certain  these  motives  have  weight 
of  reason  in  them,  yet  I  am  jealous,  reader,  lest  you 
lay  aside  the  book  as  if  you  had  done,  and  never  set 
yourself  to  the  practice  of  the  duty.  The  case  in 
hand  is  of  the  greatest  moment,  whether  thou  shall 
everlastingly  live  in  heaven  or  hell.  1  here  request 
thee,  in  behalf  of  thy  soul ;  nay,  I  charge  thee,  in 


THE  saints'   rest.  201 

the  name  of  the  Lord,  that  thou  defer  no  longer,  but 
take  thy  heart  to  task  in  good  earnest,  and  think  with 
thyself,  "  Is  it  so  easy,  so  common,  and  so  dange- 
rous to  be  mistaken  ?  Are  there  so  many  wrong 
ways  ?  Is  the  heart  so  deceitful  1  Why  then  do  I 
not  search  into  every  corner,  till  I  know  my  state  ? 
Must  I  shortly  undergo  the  trial  at  thebar  of  Christ; 
and  do  I  not  presently  try  myself?  What  a  case 
were  I  in,  if  I  should  then  miscarry  ?  May  I  know 
by  a  little  diligent  inquiry  now ;  and  do  I  stick  at 
the  labor  ?"  But  perhaps  thou  wilt  say,  "  I  know 
not  how  to  do  it."  In  that  I  am  now  to  give  thee 
directions  ;  but,  alas  !  it  will  be  in  vain  if  thou  art 
not  resolved  to  practice  them.  Wilt  thou,  therefore, 
before  thou  goest  any  further,  here  promise,  before 
the  Lord,  to  set  thyself  upon  the  speedy  performance 
of  the  duty,  according  to  the  directions  I  shall  lay 
down  from  the  word  of  God  ?  I  demand  nothing  un- 
reasonable or  impossible :  it  is  but  to  bestow  a  few 
hours  to  know  what  shall  become  of  thee  for  ever. 
If  a  neighbor,  or  a  friend,  desire  but  an  hour's  time 
of  thee,  in  conversation,  or  business,  or  any  thing  in 
which  thou  mayst  be  of  service,  surely  thou  wouldst 
not  deny  it ;  how  much  less  shouldst  thou  deny  this 
to  thyself  in  so  great  an  affair  !  I  pray  thee  to  take 
from  me  this  request,  as  if,  in  the  name  of  Christ,  I 
presented  it  to  thee  on  my  knees  ;  and  I  will  betake 
me  on  my  knees  to  Christ  again,  to  beg  that  he  will 
persuade  thy  heart  to  the  duty. 


202  OUR    TITLE    TO 

4.  The  directions  how  to  examine  thyself  d^re  such 
as  these :  Empty  thy  mind  of  all  other  cares  and 
thoughts,  that  they  may  not  distract  or  divide  thy 
mind.  This  work  will  be  enough  at  once,  without 
joining  others  with  it.  Then  fall  down  before  God 
in  hearty  prayer,  desiring  the  assistance  of  his  Spirit, 
to  discover  to  thee  the  plain  truth  of  thy  condition, 
and  to  enlighten  thee  in  the  whole  progress  of  this 
work.  Make  choice  of  the  most  convenient  time  and 
place.  Let  the  place  be  the  most  private,  and  the 
time  when  you  have  nothing  to  interrupt  you ;  and, 
if  possible,  let  it  be  the  present  time.  Have  in  rea- 
diness, either  in  memory  or  writing,  some  Scrip- 
tures, containing  the  descriptions  of  the  saints  and 
the  Gospel  terms  of  salvation  ;  and  convince  thyself 
thoroughly  of  their  infallible  truth.  Proceed  then 
to  put  the  question  to  thyself  Let  it  not  be,  whether 
there  be  any  good  in  thee  at  all ;  nor  whether  thou 
hast  such  or  such  a  degree  and  measure  of  grace ; 
but  whether  such  or  such  a  saving  grace  be  in  thee 
in  sincerity  or  not.  If  thy  heart  draw  back  from  the 
work,  force  it  on.  Lay  thy  command  upon  it.  Let 
reason  interpose,  and  use  its  authority.  Yea,  lay  the 
command  of  God  upon  it,  and  charge  it  to  obey  upon 
the  pain  of  his  displeasure.  Let  conscience  also  do 
its  office,  till  thy  heart  be  excited  to  the  work.  Nor 
let  thy  heart  trifle  away  the  lime,  when  it  should  be 
diligently  at  the  work.  Do  as  the  psalmist ;  "  My 
spirit  made  diligent  search."    He  that  can  prevail 


THE  saints'  rest.  203 

with  his  own  heart,  shall  also  prevail  uith  God.  If, 
after  all  thy  pains,  thou  art  not  resolved,  then  seek 
out  for  help.  Go  to  one  that  is  godly,  experienced, 
able,  and  faithful,  and  tell  him  thy  case,  and  desire 
his  best  advice.  Use  the  judgment  of  such  a  one  as 
that  of  a  phj'-sician  for  thy  body :  though  this  can 
afford  thee  no  full  certainty,  yet  it  may  be  a  great 
help  to  stay  and  direct  thee.  But  do  not  make  it  a 
pretence  to  put  off  thy  own  self-examination.  Only 
use  it  as  one  of  the  last  remedies,  when  thy  own  en- 
deavors will  not  serve.  When  thou  hast  discovered 
thy  true  state,  pass  sentence  on  thyself  accordingly  ; 
either  that  thou  art  a  true  Christian,  or  that  thou  art 
not.  Pass  not  this  sentence  rashly,  nor  with  self- 
flattery,  nor  with  melancholy  terrors;  but  delibe- 
rately, truly,  and  according  to  thy  conscience,  con- 
vinced by  Scripture  and  reason.  Labor  to  get  thy 
heart  affected  with  its  condition,  according  to  the 
sentence  passed  on  it.  If  graceless,  think  of  thy  mi- 
sery; if  renewed  and  sanctified,  think  what  a  blessed 
state  the  Lord  hath  brought  thee  into.  Pursue  these 
thoughts  till  they  have  left  their  impression  on  thy 
heart.  Write  this  sentence  at  least  in  thy  memory : 
"  At  such  a  time,  upon  thorough  examination,  I  found 
my  state  to  be  thus,  or  thus."  Such  a  record  will 
be  very  useful  to  thee  hereafter.  Trust  not  to  this 
one  discovery,  so  as  to  try  no  more ;  nor  let  it  hin- 
der thee  in  the  daily  search  of  thy  ways ;  neither 
be  discouraged  if  the  trial  must  be  often  repeated. 


204  OUR     TITLE    TO 

Especially  take  heed,  if  un regenerate,  not  to  con- 
clude of  thy  future  state  by  the  present.  Do  not  say, 
"  Because  I  am  ungodly,  I  shall  die  so ;  because  I 
am  a  hypocrite,  I  shall  continue  so."  Do  not  de- 
spair. Nothing  but  thy  unwillingness  can  keep 
thee  from  Christ,  though  thou  hast  hitherto  abused 
him  and  dissembled  with  him. 

5.  Now  let  me  add  some  marks  by  which  you 
may  try  your  title  to  the  saints'  rest.  I  will  only 
mention  these  two :  taking  God  for  thy  chief  good, 
and  heartily  accepting  Christ  for  thy  only  Savior 
and  Lord. 

Every  soul  that  hath  a  title  to  this  rest  doth  place 
his  chief  happiness  in  God.  This  rest  consisteth  in 
the  full  and  glorious  enjoyment  of  God.  He  that 
maketh  not  God  his  chief  good  and  ultimate  end,  is 
in  heart  a  pagan  and  a  vile  idolater.  Let  me  ask, 
then,  dost  thou  truly  account  it  thy  chief  happiness 
to  enjoy  the  Lord  in  glory,  or  dost  thou  not  ?  Canst 
thou  say,  "  The  Lord  is  my  portion  ?  Whom  have 
I  in  heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there  is  none  upon  earth 
that  I  desire  besides  thee  !"  If  thou  be  an  heir  of 
rest,  it  is  thus  with  thee.  Though  the  flesh  Avill  be 
pleading  for  its  own  delights,  and  the  world  will  be 
creeping  into  thine  affections,  yet  in  thy  ordinary, 
settled,  prevailing  judgment  and  affections,  thou  pre- 
ferrest  God  before  all  things  in  the  world.  Thou 
makest  him  the  very  end  of  thy  desires  and  endea 
vors.    The  very  reason  why  thou  hearest  and  pray- 


\ 


tHE  saints'  rest.  20^ 

e$U  and  desirest  to  live  on  earth,  is  chiefly  this,  that 
thou  mayst  seek  the  Lord,  and  make  sure  of  thy  rest. 
Though  thou  dost  not  seek  it  so  zealously  as  thou 
shouldst,  yet  it  hath  the  chief  of  thy  desires  and  en* 
deavors,  so  that  nothing  else  is  desired  or  preferred 
before  it,  Thou  wilt  think  no  labor  or  suffering  too 
great  to  obtain  it.  And  though  the  flesh  may  some- 
times shrink,  yet  thou  art  resolved  and  contented  to 
go  through  all.  Thy  esteem  for  it  will  also  be  so 
high,  and  thy  affection  to  it  so  great,  that  thou  wouldst 
not  exchange  thy  title  to  it,  and  hopes  of  it,  for  ^ny 
Worldly  good  whatsoever,  If  God  should  set  before 
thee  an  eternity  of  earthly  pleasure  on  one  hand,  and 
the  saints'  rest  on  the  other,  and  bid  thee  take  thy 
choice,  thou  wouldst  refuse  the  world  and  choose 
this  rest.  But  if  thou  art  yet  unsanctified,  then  thou 
dost  in  thy  heart  prefer  thy  worldly  happiness  before 
God  ;  and  though  thy  tongue  may  say  that  God  is 
thy  chief  good,  yet  thy  heart  doth  not  so  esteem  him. 
For  the  world  is  the  chief  end  of  thy  desires  and  en- 
deavors. Thy  very  heart  is  set  upon  it.  Thy  great- 
est care  and  labor  is  to  maintain  thy  credit  or  fleshly 
delights.  But  the  life  to  come  hath  little  of  thy  care 
or  labor.  Thou  didst  never  perceive  so  much  excel- 
lency in  that  unseen  glory  of  another  world,  as  to 
draw  thy  heart  after  it,  and  set  thee  a  laboring  hear- 
tily for  it.  The  little  pains  thou  bestowest  that  way 
is  but  in  the  second  place.  God  hath  but  the  world's 
leavings ;  only  that  time  and  labor  Vv^hich  thou  canst 
s.  R.  18 


206  OUR    TITLE    TO 

spare  from  the  world,  or  those  (e\v,  cokl  and  care- 
less thoughts  \yhich  follow  thy  constant,  earnest, 
and  delightful  thoughts  of  earthly  things.  Neither 
wouldst  thou  do  any  thing  at  all  for  heaven,  if  thou 
knewest  how  to  keep  the  world.  But  lest  thou 
shouldst  be  turned  into  hell  when  thou  canst  keep 
the  world  no  longer,  therefore  thou  wait  do  some- 
thing. For  the  same  reason  thou  thinkest  the  way 
of  God  too  strict,  and  wilt  not  be  persuaded  to  the 
constant  labor  of  walking  according  to  the  Gospel 
rule ;  and  when  it  comes  to  the  trial,  that  thou  must 
forsake  Christ  or  thy  worldly  happiness,  then  thou 
wilt  venture  heaven  rather  than  earth,  and  so  wil- 
fully deny  thy  obedience  to  God.  And  certainly,  if 
God  w^ould  but  give  thee  leave  to  live  in  health  and 
wealth  for  ever  on  earth,  thou  wouldst  think  it  a  bet- 
ter state  than  rest.  Let  them  seek  for  heaven  that 
would,  thou  wouldst  think  this  thy  chief  happiness. 
This  is  thy  case,  if  thou  art  yet  an  unregenerate  per- 
son, and  hast  no  title  to  the  saints'  rest. 

And  as  thou  takest  God  for  thy  chief  good,  so 
thou  dost  heartily  accept  of  Christ  for  thy  only  Sa- 
vior and  Lord,  to  bring  thee  to  this  rest.  The  for- 
mer mark  was  the  sum  of  the  first  and  great  com- 
mand of  the  law,  "  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy 
God  with  all  thy  heart."  The  second  mark  is  the 
sum  of  the  command  of  the  Gospel,  "  Believe  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  thou  shalt  be  saved."  And 
the  performance  of  these  two  is  the  whole  of  godli- 


207 

ness  and  Christianity.  This  mark  is  but  the  defini- 
tion of  faith.  Dost  thou  heartily  consent  that  Christ 
alone  shall  be  thy  Savior,  and  no  further  trust  to 
thy  duties  and  works  than  as  means  appointed  in 
subordination  to  him  ;  not  looking  at  them  as  in  the 
least  measure  able  to  satisfy  the  curse  of  the  law,  or 
as  a  legal  righteousness,  or  any  part  of  it ;  but  con- 
sent to  trust  thy  salvation  on  the  redemptidn  made 
by  Christ  ?  Art  thou  also  content  to  take  him  for 
thy  only  Lord  and  King,  to  govern  and  guide  thee 
by  his  laws  and  Spirit,  and  to  obey  him,  even  when 
he  commandeth  the  hardest  duties,  and  those  which 
most  cross  the  desires  of  the  flesh  ?  Is  it  thy  sorrow 
when  thou  breakest  thy  resolution  herein ;  and  thy 
joy  when  thou  keepest  closest  in  obedience  to  him  ? 
Wouldst  thou  not  change  thy  Lord  and  Master  for 
all  the  world  ?  Thus  is  it  with  every  true  Christian. 
But  if  thou  be  a  hypocrite,  it  is  far  otherwise.  Thou 
mayst  call  Christ  thy  Lord  and  thy  Savior,  but  thou 
never  foundest  thyself  so  lost  without  him  as  to  drive 
thee  to  seek  him,  and  trust  him,  and  lay  thy  salva- 
tion on  him  alone ;  at  least,  thou  didst  never  hearti- 
ly consent  that  he  should  govern  thee  as  thy  Lord, 
nor  resign  up  thy  soul  and  life  to  be  ruled  by  him, 
nor  take  his  word  for  the  law  of  thy  thoughts  and  ac- 
tions. It  is  likely  thou  art  content  to  be  saved  from 
hell  by  Christ  when  thou  diest ;  but,  in  the  meantime, 
he  shall  command  thee  no  further  than  will  stand 
with  thy  credit,  or  pleasure  or  other  worldly  ends. 


208  OUR    TITLE    TO 

And  if  he  would  give  thee  leave,  thou  hadst  far  ra- 
ther live  after  the  world  and  flesh,  than  after  the 
Word  and  Spirit.  And  though  thou  mayst  now 
and  then  have  a  motion  or  purpose  to  the  contrary, 
yet  this  that  I  have  mentioned  is  the  ordinary  de- 
sire and  choice  of  thy  heart.  Thou  art  therefore  no 
true  believer  in  Christ;  for  though  thou  confess 
him  in  words,  yet  in  works  thou  dost  deny  him, 
"  being  abominable,  and  disobedient,  and  unto  every 
good  work  reprobate."  This  is  the  case  of  those 
that  shall  be  shut  out  of  the  saints' .-^rest. 

Observe,  it  is  the  consent  of  ycmr  hearts,  or  wills, 
which  I  especially  lay  down  to  be  inquired  after.  I 
do  not  ask  whether  thou  be  assured  of  salvation,  nor 
whether  thou  canst  believe  that  thy  sins  are  pardon- 
ed, and  that  thou  art  beloved  of  God  in  Christ. 
These  are  no  parts  of  justifying  faith,  but  excellent 
fruits  of  it,  and  they  that  receive  them  are  comforted 
by  them;  but  perhaps  thou  mayst  never  receive 
them  while  thou  livest,  and  yet  be  a  true  heir  of 
rest.  Do  not  say  then,  "  I  cannot  believe  that  n:y 
sins  are  pardoned,  or  that  I  am  in  God's  favor ;  and 
therefore  I  am  no  true  believer."  This  is  a  most 
mistaken  conclusion.  The  question  is,  whether 
thou  dost  heartily  accept  of  Christ,  that  thou  mayst 
be  pardoned,  reconciled  to  God,  and  so  saved.  Dost 
thou  consent  that  he  shall  be  thy  Lord,  who  hath 
bought  thee,  and  that  he  shall  bring  thee  to  heaven 
in  his  oAvn  way  ?    This  is  justifying,  saving  faith, 


THE  saints'  rest.  209 

and  the  mark  by  which  thou  must  try  thyself.  Yet 
still  observe  that  all  this  consent  must  be  hearty  and 
real,  not  feigned  or  with  reservations.  It  is  not  say- 
ing" as  that  dissembling  son,  "  I  go,  sir ;  and  went 
not."  If  any  have  more  of  the  government  of  thee 
than  Christ,  thou  art  not  his  disciple.  I  am  sure 
these  two  marks  are  such  as  every  Christian  hath, 
and  none  but  sincere  Christians.  O  that  the  Lord 
would  now  persuade  thee  to  the  close  performance 
of  this  self-trial !  that  thou  mayst  not  tremble  with 
horror  of  soul  when  the  Judge  of  the  world  shall 
try  thee ;  but  be  so  able  to  prove  thy  title  to  rest, 
that  the  prospect  and  approach  of  death  and  judg- 
ment may  raise  thy  spirits  and  fill  thee  with  joy. 

On  the  whole,  if  Christians  would  have  comforts 
that  will  not  deceive  them,  let  them  make  it  the 
great  labor  of  their  lives  to  grow  in  grace,  to  strength- 
en and  advance  the  interest  of  Christ  in  their  souls, 
and  to  weaken  and  subdue  the  interest  of  the  flesh. 
Deceive  not  yourselves  with  a  persuasion  that  Christ 
hath  done  all,  and  left  you  nothing  to  do.  To  over- 
come the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil,  and,  in  or- 
der to  that,  to  stand  always  armed  upon  our  watch, 
and  valiantly  and  patiently  to  fight  it  out,  is  of  great 
importance  to  our  assurance  and  salvation.  Indeed, 
It  is  so  important,  that  he  who  performeth  it  not  is 
no  more  than  a  nominal  Christian.  Not  to  every 
one  that  presumptuously  believeth,  but  "to  him  that 
overcometh,  v/ill  Christ  s^ive  to  eat  of  the  hidden 

s    R.  18* 


210         OUR    TITLE    TO    THE    SAINTS'    REST. 

manna,  and  will  give  him  a  white  stone,  and  in  the 
stone  a  new  name  written,  which  no  man  knoweth, 
savinig-  he  that  receiveth  it ;  he  shall  eat  of  the  tree 
of  life,  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  paradise  of  God, 
and  shall  not  be  hurt  of  the  second  death.  Christ 
will  confess  his  name  before  his  Father,  and  before 
his  angels,  and  make  him  a  pillar  in  the  temple  of 
God,  and  he  shall  go  no  more  out ;  and  will  write 
upon  him  the  name  of  his  God,  and  the  name  of  the 
city  of  his  God,  which  is  New  Jerusalem,  which 
Cometh  down  out  of  heaven  from  his  God,  and  will 
write  upon  him  his  new  name."  Yea,  "  He  will 
grant  to  him  to  sit  with  him  on  his  throne,  even  as 
he  also  overcame,  and  is  set  do\\Ti  with  his  Father  on 
his  throne.  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what 
the  Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches." 


EXCITEMENT    TO    SEEK,    &e  211 


CHAPTER    IX 

THE  DUTY   OF  THE   PEOPLE   OF   GOD  TO   EXCITE   OTBEBS  TO 
KEEK   THIS   REST. 

The  author  laments  that  Christians  do  so  little  to  help  others  to 
obtain  the  saints'  rest :  J.  Sho^os  the  nature  of  this  duty  ; 
particularly,  1.  In  having  our  hearts  affected  with  the  mi- 
sery of  our  brethren''s  souls ;  2.  In  taking  all  opportunities 
to  instruct  them  in  the  way  of  salvation ;  3.  In  promoting 
their  profit  by  public  ordinances :  II.  Assigns  various  rea- 
sons why  this  duty  is  so  much  neglected,  and  answers  some 
objections  against  it :  Then,  III.  urges  to  the  discharge  of 
it,  by  several  considerations  ;  1.  Addressed  to  such  as  have 
knowledge,  learning,  and  utterance ;  2.  Those  that  are  ac- 
quainted with  sinners;  3.  Physicians  that  attend  dying 
men ;  4.  Persons  of  wealth  and  power ;  5.  Ministers ;  6. 
And  those  that  are  intrusted  with  the  care  of  children  or  ser- 
vants. The  chapter  concludes  with  an  earnest  request  to 
Christian  parents  to  be  faithful  to  their  trust. 

Hath  God  set  before  us  such  a  glorious  prize  as 
the  saints'  rest,  and  made  us  capable  of  such  incon- 
ceivable happiness  ?  Why,  then,  do  not  all  the  chil- 
dren of  this  kingdom  exert  themselves  more  to  help 
others  to  the  enjoyment  of  it  ?  Alas  !  how  little  are 
poor  souls  about  us  beholden  to  most  of  us  !  We  see 
the  glory  of  the  kingdom,  and  they  do  not ;  we  see 
the  misery  of  those  that  are  out  of  it,  and  they  do  not ; 
we  see  some  wandering  quite  out  of  the  way,  and 
Imow,  if  they  hold  on,  they  can  never  come  there ; 
and  they  themselves  discern  it  not.  And  yet  we  will 


212  EXCITEMENT    TO    SEEK 

not  seriously  show  them  their  danger  and  error,  and 
help  to  bring  them  into  the  way,  that  they  may  live. 
Alas  !  how  few  Christians  are  there  to  be  found  that 
set  themselves  with  all  their  might  to  save  souls  ! 
No  thanks  to  us,  if  heaven  be  not  empty,  and  if  the 
souls  of  our  brethren  perish  not  for  ever.  Consider- 
ing how  important  "this  duty  is  to  the  glory  of  God 
and  the  happiness  of  men,  I  will  show — how  it  is  to 
be  performed ; — why  it  is  so  much  neglected  ; — and 
then  offer  some  considerations  to  persuade  to  it. 

First.  The  duty  of  excitiJig  and  helping  others  to 
discern  their  title  to  the  saints^  rest.  This  does  not 
mean  that  every  man  should  turn  a  public  preacher, 
or  that  any  should  go  beyond  the  bounds  of  their 
particular  calling ;  much  less  does  it  consist  in  pro- 
moting a  party  spirit ;  and,  least  of  all,  in  speaking 
against  men's  faults  behind  their  backs,  and  being 
silent  before  their  faces.  This  duty  is  of  another 
nature,  and  consists  of  the  following  things  :  in  hav- 
ing our  hearts  affected  with  the  misery  of  our  breth- 
ren's souls,  in  taking  all  opportunities  to  instruct 
them  in  the  way  of  salvation,  and  in  promoting  their 
profit  by  public  ordinances. 

1.  Our  hearts  must  he  affected  with  the  misery  of 
our  brethren's  souls.  We  must  be  compassionate  to- 
ward them,  and  yearn  after  their  recovery  and  sal- 
vation. If  we  earnestly  longed  after  their  conversion, 
and  our  hearts  were  solicitous  to  do  them  good,  it 
would  set  us  on  work,  and  God  would  usuallv 
bless  it. 


21? 

2.  We  must  take  every  o'p'portunity  that  we  pos- 
fibly  can  to  instruct  them  how  to  attain  salvation. 
If  the  person  be  ignorant,  labor  to  make  him  under- 
stand the  chief  happiness  of  man  ;  how  far  he  was 
once  possessed  of  it ;  the  covenant  God  then  made 
with  him ;  how  he  broke  it ;  what  penalty  he  in- 
curred; and  v»rhat  misery  he  brought  himself  into. 
Teach  him  his  need  of  a  Redeemer  ;  how  Christ  did 
mercifully  interpose,  and  bear  the  penalty;  what 
the  new  covenant  is ;  how  men  are  drawn  to  Christ ; 
and  what  are  the  riches  and  privileges  which  be- 
lievers have  in  him.  If  he  is  not  moved  by  these 
things,  then  show  him  the  excellency  of  the  glory 
he  neglects ;  the  extremity  and  eternity  of  the  tor- 
ments of  the  damned  ;  the  justice  of  enduring  them 
for  willfully  refusing  grace ;  the  certainty,  nearness^ 
and  terrors  of  death  and  judgment ;  the  vanity  of  all 
things  below ;  the  sinfulness  of  sin ;  the  preciousness 
of  Christ ;  the  necessity  of  regeneration,  faith,  and 
holiness,  and  the  true  nature  of  them.  If,  after  all, 
you  find  him  entertaining  false  hopes,  then  urge  him 
to  examine  his  state ;  show  him  the  necessity  of  do- 
ing so ;  help  him  in  it ;  nor  leave  him  till  you  have 
convinced  him  of  his  misery  and  remedy.  Show 
him  how  vain  and  destructive  it  is  to  join  Christ  and 
his  duties,  to  compose  his  justifying  righteousness. 
Yet  be  sure  to  draw  him  to  the  use  of  all  means ; 
such  as  hearing  and  reading  the  word,  calling  upon 
God,  and  associating  with  the  godly :  persuade  him 


214  EXCITEMENT    TO    SEEK 

to  forsake  sin,  avoid  all  temptations  to  sin,  especially 
evil  companions,  and  to  wait  patiently  on  God  in 
the  use  of  means,  as  the  way  in  which  God  will  be 
^ound. 

But,  because  the  manner  of  performing  this  work 
is  of  great  moment,  observe  therefore  these  rules : 
Enter  upon  it  with  right  intentions.  Aim  at  the 
glory  of  God  in  the  person's  salvation.  Do  it  not 
to  get  a  name  or  esteem  to  thyself,  or  to  bring  men 
to  depend  upon  thee,  or  to  get  thee  followers ;  but 
in  obedience  to  Christ,  in  imitation  of  him,  and  ten- 
der love  to  men's  souls.  Do  not  as  those  who  labor 
to  reform  their  children  or  servants  from  such  things 
as  are  against  their  own  profit  or  humor,  but  never 
seek  to  save  their  souls  in  the  way  which  God  hath 
appointed.  Do  it  speedily.  As  you  would  not  have 
them  delay  their  return,  do  not  you  delay  to  seek 
their  return.  While  you  are  purposing  to  teach  and 
help  him,  the  man  goes  deeper  in  debt ;  wrath  is 
heaping  up ;  sin  taking  root ;  custom  fastens  him  : 
temptations  to  sin  multiply  ;  conscience  grows  sear- 
ed ;  the  heart  hardened ;  the  devil  rules ;  Christ  is 
shut  out ;  the  Spirit  is  resisted ;  God  is  daily  dis- 
honored ;  his  law  violated ;  he  is  without  a  servant, 
and  that  service  from  him  which  He  should  have ; 
time  runs  on  ;  death  and  judgment  are  at  the  door  ; 
and  what  if  the  man  die,  and  drop  into  hell,  while 
you  are  purposing  to  prevent  it !  If,  in  the  case  of 
his  bodily  distress,  you  "  must  not  say  to  him,  Go, 


215 

and  come  again,  and  to-morrow  I  will  give,  when 
thou  hast  it  by  thee  ;"  how  much  less  may  you  de- 
lay the  succor  of  his  soul !  That  physician  is  no 
better  than  a  murderer,  who  negligently  delays  till 
his  patient  be  dead  or  past  cure.  Lay  by  excuses, 
then,  and  all  lesser  business,  and  "  exhort  one  an- 
other daily,  while  it  is  called  today,  lest  any  be 
hardened  through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin."  Let 
your  exhortation  proceed  from  compassion  and  love. 
To  jeer  and  scoff,  to  rail  and  vilify,  is  not  a  likely 
way  to  reform  men,  or  convert  them  to  God.  Go  to 
poor  sinners  with  tears  in  your  eyes,  that  they  may 
see  you  believe  them  to  be  miserable,  and  that  you 
unfeignedly  pity  their  case.  Deal  with  them  with 
earnest,  humble  entreaties.  Let  them  perceive  it  is 
the  desire  of  your  heart  to  do  them  good  ;  that  you 
have  no  other  end  but  their  everlasting  happiness  • 
and  that  it  is  your  sense  of  their  danger,  and  your 
love  to  their  souls,  that  forceth  you  to  speak ;  even 
because  you  "  know  the  terrors  of  the  Lord,"  and 
for  fear  you  should  see  them  in  eternal  torments. 
Say  to  them,  "  Friend,  you  know  I  seek  no  advan- 
tage of  my  own :  the  method  to  please  you,  and 
keep  your  friendship,  were  to  sooth  you  in  your 
way,  or  let  you  alone ;  but  love  will  not  suffer  me 
to  see  you  perish,  and  be  silent.  I  seek  noti  ..^ 
your  hands  but  that  which  is  necessary  to  your  own 
happiness.  It  is  yourself  that  will  have  the  gain 
and  comfort  if  you  come  to  Christ." 


21G  tXClTEMEJJT    TO    SEEK 

If  we  were  thus  to  go  to  every  ignorant  and 
wicked  neighbor,  what  blessed  fruit  should  we 
quickly  see ! — -Do  it  with  all  possible  plainness  and 
faithfulness.  Do  not  make  their  sins  less  than  they 
are,  nor  encourage  them  in  a  false  hope.  If  you 
see  the  case  dangerous,  speak  plainly :  "  Neighbor^ 
I  am  afraid  God  hath  not  yet  renewed  your  soul ;  I 
doubt  you  are  not  yet  recovered  'from  the  power  of 
Satan  to  God ;'  I  doubt  you  have  not  chosen  Christ 
above  all,  nor  unfeignedly  taken  him  for  your  sove- 
reign Lord.  If  you  had,  sitrely  you  durst  not  so 
easily  disobey  him,  nor  neglect  his  worship  in  yo^r 
family  and  in  public;  you  could  not  so  eagerly  fol- 
low the  world,  and  talk  of  nothing  but  the  things  of 
the  world.  If  you  were  *  in  Christ,'  you  would  be 
*a  new  creature;  old  things'  would  be  'passed 
away,  and  all  things '  would  '  become  new. '  You 
would  have  new  thoughts,  new  talk,  new  company, 
new  endeavors,  and  a  new  conversation.  Certainly, 
without  these  you  can  never  be  saved ;  you  may 
think  otherwise,  and  hope  otherwise  as  long  as  you 
will,  but  your  hopes  will  all  deceive  you,  and  perish 
with  you."  Thus  must  you  deal  faithfully  with  men^ 
if  ever  you  intend  to  do  them  good.  It  is  not  in  cur- 
ing men's  souls,  as  in  curing  their  bodies,  where 
they  must  not  know  their  danger,  lest  it  hinder  the 
cure.  They  are  here  agents  in  their  own  cure; 
and  if  they  know  not  their  misery,  they  will  never 
bewail  it,  nor  know  their  need  of  a  Savior,     Do  it 


THE  saints'  rest.  217 

also  seriously^  zealously,  and  effectually.  Labor  to 
make  men  know  that  heaven  and  hell  are  not  mat* 
ters  to  be  played  with,  or  passed  over  with  a  few 
careless  thoughts.  "  It  is  most  certain  that,  one  of 
these  days,  thou  shalt  be  in  everlasting  joy  or  tor- 
ment ;  and  doth  it  not  awaken  thee  ?  Are  there  so 
few  that  find  the  way  of  life?  so  many  that  go  the 
way  of  death  ?  Is  it  so  hard  to  escape  ?  so  easy  to 
miscarry  ?  and  yet  do  you  sit  still  and  trifle  ?  What 
do  )'0u  mean  ?  The  world  is  passing  away :  its  plea- 
sures, honors,  and  profits  are  fading  and  leaving 
you :  eternity  is  a  little  before  you :  God  is  just  and 
jealous:  his  threatenings  are  true:  the  great  day 
will  be  terrible :  time  runs  on :  your  life  is  uncertain : 
you  are  far  behindhand:  your  case  is  dangerous  :  if 
you  die  to-morrow,  how  unready  are  you  !  With 
what  terror  will  your  souls  go  out  of  your  bodies ! 
And  do  you  yet  loiter?  Consider,  God  is  all  this 
while  waiting  your  leisure :  his  patience  beareth : 
his  long-suffering  forbeareth :  his  mercy  entreateth 
you :  Christ  offereth  you  his  blood  and  merits  :  the 
Spirit  is  persuading :  conscience  is  accusing :  Satan 
waits  to  have  you.  This  is  your  time — now  or 
never.  Had  you  rather  burn  in  hell,  than  repent  on 
earth  ?  have  devils  ypur  tormentors,  than  Christ  your 
governor  ?  Will  you  renounce  your  part  in  God  and 
glory,  rather  than  renounce  your  sins  ?  O  friends* 
what  do  you  think  of  these  things  ?  God  hath  made 
you  men ;  do  not  renounce  your  reason  where  you 
19 


218  EXCITEMENT    TO    SEEfv 

should  chiefly  use  it.'  Alas!  it  is  not  a  few  dull 
words  between  jest  and  earnest,  between  sleep  and 
awake,  that  will  rouse  a  dead-hearted  sinner.  If  a 
house  be  on  fire,  you  will  not  make  a  cold  oration 
on  the  nature  and  danger  of  fire,  but  will  riin  and 
cry.  Fire  !  fire  !  To  tell  a  man  of  his  sins  as  softly 
as  Eli  did  his  sons ;  or  to  reprove  him  as  gontly  as 
Jehoshaphat  did  Ahab,  "  Let  not  the  king  say  so  ;'' 
usually  doth  as  much  harm  as  good.  I^athness  to 
displease  men  makes  us  undo  them. 

Yet,  lest  you  run  into  extremes,  I  advise  you  to 
do  it  with  prudence  and  discretion.  Choose  the 
fittest  season.  Deal  not  with  men  when  they  are 
in  a  passion,  or  where  they  will  take  it  for  a  dis- 
grace. When  the  earth  is  soft,  the  plough  will  en- 
ter. Take  a  man  when  he  is  under  afiiiction,  or 
newly  impressed  under  a  sermon.  Christian  faith- 
fulness requires  us  not  only  to  do  good  when  it  falls 
in  our  way,  but  to  watch  for  opportunities.  Suit 
yourself  also  to  the  quality  and  temper  of  the  per- 
son. You  must  deal  Math  the  ingenious  more  by 
argument  than  persuasion.  There  is  need  of  both 
to  the  ignorant.  The  aflfections  of  the  convinced 
should  be  chiefly  excited.  The  obstinate  must  be 
sharply  reproved.  The  timorous  must  be  dealt  with 
tenderly.  Love,  and  plainness,  and  seriousness, 
take  with  all ;  but  words  of  terror  some  can  scarce 
bear.  Use  also  the  aptest  expressions.  Unseeming 
language  makes  the  hearers  loathe  the  food  they 


THE    SAINTS'     REST.  219 

should  live  by,  especially  if  they  be  men  of  curious 
ears  and  carnal  hearts.  Let  all  your  reproofs  and 
exhortations  be  lacked  with  the  authority  of  God. 
Let  sinners  be  convinced  that  you  speak  not  of  your 
own  head.  Turn  them  to  the  very  chapter  and 
verse  where  their  sin  is  condemned,  and  their  duty 
commanded.  The  voice  of  man  is  contemptible,  but 
the  voice  of  God  is  awful  and  terrible.  They  may 
reject  your  words,  who  dare  not  reject  the  words  of 
the  Almig-hty.  Be  frequent  with  men  in  this  duty 
of  exhortation.  If  we  are  "  always  to  pray,  and  not 
to  faint,"  because  God  will  have  us  importunate  with 
himself:  the  same  course,  no  doubt,  will  be  most  pre- 
vailing" with  men.  Therefore  we  are  commanded 
"to  exhort  one  another  daily,"  and  "with  all  long- 
suffering."  The  fire  is  not  always  brought  out  of 
the  flint  at  one  stroke ;  nor  men's  affections  kindled 
at  the  first  exhortation :  and  if  they  were,  yet  if  they 
be  not  followed,  they  will  soon  grow  cold  again. 
Follow  sinners  with  your  loving  and  earnest  entrea- 
ties, and  give  them  no  rest  in  their  sin.  This  is  true 
charity,  the  way  to  save  men's  souls,  and  will  afford 
you  comfort  upon  review.  Strive  to  bring  all  your 
exhortations  to  an  issue.  If  we  speak  the  most  con- 
vincing words,  and  all  our  care  is  over  with  our 
speech,  we  shall  seldom  prosper  in  our  labors  •  but 
God  usually  blesses  their  labors,  whose  very  heart 
is  set  upon  the  conversion  of  their  hearers,  and  who 
are  therefore  inquiring  after  the  success  of  their 


220  EXCITEMENT    TO    SEEK 

work.  If  you  reprove  a  sin,  cease  not  till  the  sin- 
ner promises  you  to  leave  it,  and  avoid  the  occa- 
sions of  it.  If  you  are  exhorting-  to  a  duty,  urge  for 
a  promise  to  set  upon  it  presently.  If  you  would 
draw  men  to  Christ,  leave  not  till  you  have  made 
them  confess  the  misery  of  their  present  unregcne- 
rate  state,  and  the  necessity  of  Christ,  and  of  a 
change,  and  have  promised  you  to  fall  close  to  the 
use  of  means.  O  that  all  Christians  would  take 
this  course  with  all  their  neighbors  that  are  enslav- 
ed to  sin,  and  strangers  to  Christ !  Once  more,  be 
sure  your  example  exhort  as  well  as  your  words. 
Let  them  see  you  constant  in  all  the  duties  you  per- 
suade them  to.  Let  them  see  in  your  lives  that  supe- 
riority to  the  world  which  your  lips  recommend. 
Let  them  see,  by  your  constant  labors  for  heaven, 
that  you  indeed  believe  what  you  would  have  them 
believe.  A  holy  and  heavenly  life  is  a  continual 
pain  to  the  consciences  of  sinners  around  you,  and 
continually  solicits  them  to  change  their  course. 

3.  Besides  the  duty  of  private  admonition,  you 
must  endeavor  to  help  men  to  profit  by  the  'public 
ordinances.  In  order  to  that,  endeavor  to  procure 
for  them  faithful  ministers,  where  they  are  Avanting. 
•'  How  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher  ?"  Im- 
prove your  interest  and  diligence  to  this  end,  till  you 
prevail.  Extend  your  purses  to  the  utmost.  How 
many  souls  may  be  saved  by  the  ministry  you  have 
procured  I     It  is  a  higher  and  nobler  charity  than 


THE    SAINTS      REST.  221 

relieving  their  bodies.  What  abundance  of  good 
might  great  men  do,  if  they  would  support,  in  aca- 
demical education,  such  youth  as  they  have  first 
carefully  chosen  for  their  talents  and  piety,  till  they 
should  be  fit  for  the  ministry  ! — and  when  a  faithful 
ministry  is  obtained,  help  poor  souls  to  receive  the 
fruit  of  it — draw  them  constantly  to  attend  it — remind 
them  often  what  they  have  heard  ;  and,  if  it  be  pos- 
sible, let  them  hear  it  repeated  in  their  families,  or 
elsewhere — promote  their  frequent  meeting  together, 
besides  publicly  in  the  congregation ;  not  as  a  sepa- 
rate church,  but  as  a  part  of  the  church,  more  dili- 
gent than  the  rest  in  redeeming  time,  and  helping 
the  souls  of  each  other  heaven-ward.  Labor  also  to 
keep  the  ordinances  and  ministry  in  esteem :  no 
man  will  be  much  wrought  on  by  that  which  he  de- 
spiseth.  An  apostle  says,  "  We  beseech  you,  breth- 
ren, to  know  them  who  labor  among  you,  and  are 
over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  admonish  you ;  and  to 
esteem  them  very  highly  in  love  for  their  work's 


Secondly.  Let  us  inquire  what  may  be  the  causes 
of  the  gross  neglect  of  this  duty ;  that  the  hinder- 
ances,  being  discovered,  may  the  more  easily  be  over- 
come. 

One  hinderance  is,  men's  own  sin  and  guilt.  They 
have  not  themselves  been  ravished  with  heavenly  de- 
lights ;  how  then  should  they  draw  others  so  earn 
estly  to  seek  them  ?  They  have  not  felt  their  own 

s.  R.  19* 


"222  EXCITEMENT    TO    SEEK 

lost  condition,  nor  their  need  of  Christ,  nor  the  re- 
newing work  of  the  Spirit ;  how  then  can  they  dis- 
cover these  to  others  ?  They  are  guilty  of  the  sins 
they  should  reprove,  and  this  makes  them  ashamed 
to  reprove.  Another  is,  a  secret  infidelity  prevailing 
in  men's  hearts.  Did  we  verily  believe  that  all  the 
unregenerate  and  unholy  shall  be  eternally  torment- 
ed, how  could  we  hold  our  tongues,  or  avoid  burst- 
ing into  tears,  when  we  look  them  in  the  face,  es- 
pecially when  they  are  our  near  and  dear  friends  ? 
Thus  doth  secret  unbelief  consume  the  vigor  of 
each  grace  and  duty.  O  Christians,  if  you  did  veri- 
ly believe  that  your  ungodly  neighbors,  wife,  hus- 
band, or  child,  should  certainly  lie  for  ever  in  hell, 
except  they  be  thoroughly  changed  before  death 
shall  snatch  them  away,  would  not  this  make  you 
address  them  day  and  night  till  they  were  persuad- 
ed ?  Were  it  not  for  this  cursed  unbelief,  our  own 
and  our  neighbors'  souls  would  gain  more  by  us 
than  they  do.  These  attempts  are  also  much  hin- 
dered by  our  want  of  charity  and  compassion  fci 
men's  souls.  We  look  on  miserable  souls,  and  pass 
by,  as  the  priest  and  Levite  by  the  wounded  man. 
What  though  the  sinner,  wounded  by  sin,  and  cap- 
tivated by  Satan,  do  not  desire  thy  help  himself;  yet 
his  misery  cries  aloud.  If  God  had  not  heard  the 
cry  of  our  miseries  before  he  heard  the  cry  of  our 
prayers,  and  been  moved  by  his  own  pity  before  he 
was  moved  by  our  importunity,  we  might  long  have 


THE  saints'   rest.  223 

continued  the  slaves  of  Satan.  You  will  pray  to 
God  for  them,  to  open  their  eyes  and  turn  their 
hearts ;  and  why  not  endeavor  their  conversion,  if 
you  desire  it  ?  And  if  you  do  not  desire  it,  why  do 
you  ask  it  ?  Why  do  you  not  pray  them  to  consider 
and  return,  as  well  as  pray  to  God  to  convert  and 
turn  them  ?  If  you  should  see  your  neighbor  fallen 
into  a  pit,  and  should  pray  to  God  to  help  him  out, 
but  neither  put  forth  your  hand  to  help  him,  -nor 
once  direct  him  to  help  himself,  would  not  any  man 
censure  you  for  your  cruelty  and  hypocrisy  ?  It  is 
as  true  of  the  soul  as  of  the  body.  If  any  man 
"  seeth  his  brother  have  need,  and  shutteth  up  his 
bowels  of  compassion  from  him,  how  dwelleth  the 
love  of  God  in  him  ?"  or  what  love  hath  he  to  his 
brother's  soul  ?  We  are  also  hindered  by  a  base, 
man-pleasing  disposition.  We  are  so  desirous  to 
keep  in  credit  and  favor  with  men,  that  it  makes  us 
most  unreasonably  neglect  our  own  duty.  He  is  a 
foolish  and  unfaithful  physician  that  will  let  a  sick 
man  die  for  fear  of  troubling  him.  If  our  friends 
are  distracted,  we  please  them  in  nothing  that  tends 
to  their  hurt.  And  yet  when  they  are  beside  them- 
selves in  point  of  salvation,  and  in  their  madness 
posting  on  to  damnation,  we  will  not  stop  them  for 
fear  of  displeasing  them.  How  can  we  be  Chris- 
tians, that  "  love  the  praise  of  men  more  than  the 
praise  of  God  ?"  For,  if  we  "  seek  to  please  men, 
we  shall  not  be  the  servants  of  Christ."    It  is  com- 


224  EXCITEMENT    TO    SEEK 

mon  to  be  hindered  by  sinful  bashfulness.  When 
we  should  shame  men  out  of  their  sins,  we  are  our- 
selves ashamed  of  our  duties.  May  not  these  sin- 
ners condemn  us,  when  they  blush  not  to  swear,  be 
drunk,  or  neglect  the  worship  of  God  ;  and  we 
blush  to  tell  them  of  it,  and  persuade  them  from  it  ? 
Bashfulness  is  unseemly  in  cases  of  necessity.  It 
is  not  a  work  to  be  ashamed  of,  to  obey  God  in  per- 
suading men  from  their  sins  to  Christ.  Reader, 
hath  not  thy  conscience  told  thee  of  thy  duty  many 
a  time,  and  put  thee  on  to  speak  to  poor  sinners ; 
and  yet  thou  hast  been  ashamed  to  open  thy  mouth, 
and  so  let  them  alone  to  sink  or  swim  ?  O  read  and 
tremble,  "  Whosoever  shall  be  ashamed  of  me,  and 
of  my  words,  in  this  adulterous  and  sinful  genera- 
tion, of  him  also  shall  the  Son  of  man  be  ashamed, 
when  he  cometh  in  the  glory  of  his  Father,  with 
the  holy  angels."  An  idle  and  impatient  spirit  hin- 
dereth  us.  It  is  an  ungrateful  work,  and  sometimes 
makes  men  our  enemies.  Besides,  it  seldom  suc- 
ceeds at  the  first,  except  it  be  followed  on.  You 
must  be  long  in  teaching  the  ignorant,  and  per 
suading  the  obstinate.  We  consider  not  what  pa- 
tience God  used  toward  us  when  we  were  in  our 
sins.  Wo  to  us,  if  God  had  been  as  impatient 
with  us  as  we  are  with  others.  Another  hinder 
ance  is,  self-seeking.  "  All  seek  their  own,  not  the 
things  which  are  Jesus  Christ's,'*  and  their  breth- 
ren's.    With   many,  pride   is  a  great  impediment. 


THE  saints'  rest.  225 

If  it  were  to  speak  to  a  great  man,  and  it  would 
not  displease  him,  they  would  do  it ;  but  to  go 
among  the  poor,  and  take  pains  with  them  in  their 
cottages,  where  is  the  person  that  will  do  it  ?  Many- 
will  rejoice  in  being  instrumental  to  convert  a  gen- 
tleman, and  they  have  good  reason ;  but  overlook 
the  multitude,  as  if  the  souls  of  all  were  not  alike 
to  God.  Alas !  these  men  little  consider  how  low 
Christ  stooped  to  us  !  Few  rich,  and  noble,  and 
wise,  are  called.  It  is  the  poor  that  receive  the 
glad  tidings  of  the  Gospel.  And  with  some,  their 
ignorance  of  the  duty  hindereth  them  from  perform- 
ing it:  either  they  know  it  not  to  be  a  duty,  or 
at  least  not  to  be  their  duty.  If  this  be  thy  case, 
reader,  I  am  in  hope  thou  art  now  acquainted  with 
thy  duty,  and  wilt  set  upon  it. 

Do  not  object  to  this  duty,  that  you  are  unable  to 
manage  an  exhortation  ;  but  either  set  those  on  the 
work  who  are  more  able,  or  faithfully  and  humbly 
use  the  small  ability  you  have,  and  tell  them,  as  a 
weak  man  may  do,  what  God  says  in  his  word. 
Decline  not  the  duty,  because  it  is  your  superior 
who  needs  advice  and  exhortation.  Order  must  be 
dispensed  with  in  cases  of  necessity.  Though  it  be 
a  husband,  a  parent,  a  minister,  you  must  teach  him 
in  such  a  case.  If  parents  are  in  want,  children 
must  relieve  them.  If  a  husband  be  sick,  the  wife 
must  fill  up  his  place  in  family  affairs.  If  the  rich 
are  reduced  to  beggary,  they  must  receive  charity. 


226 


EXCITEMENT    TO    SEEK 


If  the  physician  be  sick,  somebody  must  look  to  him. 
So  the  meanest  servant  must  admonish  his  master, 
and  the  child  his  parent,  and  the  wife  her  husband, 
and  the  people  their  minister;  so  that  it  be  done 
when  there  is  real  need,  and  with  all  possible  humi- 
lity, modesty,  and  meekness.  Do  not  say,  this  will 
make  us  all  preachers  :  for  every  good  Christian  is 
a  teacher,  and  has  a  charge  of  his  neighbor's  soul. 
Every  man  is  a  physician,  when  a  regular  physi- 
cian cannot  be  had,  and  when  the  hurt  is  so  small 
that  any  man  may  relieve  it ;  and  in  the  same  cases 
every  man  must  be  a  teacher.  Do  not  despair  of 
success.  Cannot  God  give  it?  And  must  it  not  be 
by  means  ?  Do  not  plead,  it  will  only  be  casting 
pearls  before  swine.  When  you  are  in  danger  to  bo 
torn  in  pieces,  Christ  would  have  you  forbear ;  but 
what  is  that  to  you  that  are  in  no  such  danger  ?  As 
long  as  they  will  hear,  you  will  have  encourage- 
ment to  speak,  and  may  not  cast  them  off  as  con- 
temptible swine.  Say  not,  "  It  is  a  friend  on  whom 
I  much  depend ;  and  by  telling  him  his  sin  and  mi- 
sery, I  may  lose  his  love,  and  be  undone."  Is  his 
love  more  to  be  valued  than  his  safety?  or  thy  own 
benefit  by  him,  than  the  salvation  of  his  soul  ?  or 
wilt  thou  connive  at  his  damnation  because  he  is  thy 
friend?  Is  t.hat  thy  best  requital  of  his  friendship? 
Hadst  thou  rather  he  should  burn  in  hell  for  ever, 
than  thou  shouldst  lose  his  favor,  or  the  mamtenance 
thou  hast  from  him  ? 


THE  saints'   rest.  22f 

Thirdly.  But  that  all  who  fear  God  may  be  ex- 
cited to  do  their  utmost  to  help  others  to  this  blessed 
rest,  let  me  entreat  you  to  consider  the  following 
motives  :  As,  for  instance,  not  only  nature,  but  espe- 
cially grace,  disposes  the  soul  to  be  communicative 
of  good  ;  therefore,  to  neglect  this  work  is  a  sin  both 
against  nature  and  grace.  Would  you  not  think 
him  unnatural  that  would  suffer  his  children  or 
neighbors  to  starve  in  the  streets,  while  he  has  pro- 
vision at  hand  ?  And  is  not  he  more  unnatural,  that 
will  let  them  eternally  perish,  and  not  open  his 
mouth  to  save  them?  An  unmerciful,  cruel  man, 
is  a  monster  to  be  abhorred  of  all.  If  God  had  bid 
you  give  them  all  your  estates,  or  lay  down  your 
lives  to  save  them,  you  would  surely  have  refused, 
Avhen  you  will  not  bestow  a  little  breath  to  save  them. 
Is  not  the  soul  of  a  husband,  or  wife,  oi*  child,  or 
neighbor,  worth  a  few  words?  Cruelty  to  men's  bo- 
dies is  a  most  damnable  sin  :  but  to  their  souls  much 
more,  as  the  soul  is  of  greater  worth  than  the  body, 
and  eternity  than  time.  Little  know  you  what  many 
a  soul  may  now  be  feeling  in  hell,  who  died  in  their 
sins,  for  want  of  your  faithful  admonition.  Consider 
what  Christ  did  toward  the  saving  of  souls.  Pie 
thought  them  worth  his  blood ;  and  shall  we  not 
think  them  worth  our  breath  ?  Will  you  noL  do  a 
little  v/here  Christ  hath  done  so  much  ?  Consider 
what  fit  objects  of  pity  ungodly  people  are.  They 
are  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins,  have  not  hearts  to 


2iS  KXCITKMLKT     TO    SEKk 

feel  their  miseries,  nor  to  pity  themselves.  If  others 
do  not  pity  them,  they  will  have  no  pity ;  for  it  is  the 
nature  of  their  disease  to  make  them  pitiless  to  them- 
selves, yea,  their  own  most  cruel  destroyers.  Con- 
sider, it  was  once  thy  own  case.  1:  was  God's  argu- 
ment to  the  Israelites,  to  be  kind  to  strangers,  be- 
cause themselves  had  been  "  strangers  in  the  land  of 
Egypt.''  So  should  you  pity  them  that  are  strangers 
to  Christ,  and  to  the  hopes  and  comforts  of  the  saints, 
because  you  were  once  strangers  to  them  yourselves. 
Consider  your  relation  to  them.  It  is  thy  neighbor, 
thy  brother,  whom  thou  art  bound  to  love  as  th^'self. 
He  that  loveth  not  his  brother,  whom  he  seeth  daily, 
doth  not  love  God.  whom  he  never  saw.  And  doth 
he  love  his  brother,  that  will  see  him  go  to  hell,  and 
never  hinder  him  1 

Consider  what  a  load  of  guilt  this  neglect  lays 
upon  thy  o^^-n  soul.  Thou  art  guilty  of  the  murder 
and  damnation  of  all  those  souls  whom  thou  dost 
thus  neglect ;  and  of  exery  sin  they  now  commit, 
and  of  all  the  dishonor  done  to  God  thereby ;  and  ot 
all  these  judgments  which  their  sins  bring  upon  the 
to^^-n  or  country  where  they  live.  Consider  what  it 
will  be,  to  look  upon  your  poor  friends  in  eternal 
flames,  and  to  think  that  your  neglect  was  a  great 
cause  of  it.  If  )-ou  should  there  perish  with  them, 
it  would  be  no  small  aggravation  of  your  torment. 
If  you  be  in  heaven,  it  would  surely  be  a  sad  thought, 
were  it  possible  that  any  sorrow  could  dwell  there, 


THE  saints'  rest.  229 

to  hear  a  multitude  of  poor  souls  cry  out,  for  ever, 
"  O,  if  you  would  but  have  told  me  plainly  of  my  sin 
and  danger,  and  set  it  home,  I  might  have  escaped 
all  this  torment,  and  been  now  in  rest !"  What  a  sad 
voice  will  this  be !  Consider  what  a  joy  it  wiW  he 
in  heaven,  to  meet  those  there  whom  you  have  been 
the  means  to  bring  thither ;  to  see  their  iaces,  and 
join  with  them  for  ever  in  the  praises  of  God,  whom 
you  were  the  happy  instruments  of  bringing  to  the 
knowledge  and  obedience  of  Jesus  Christ !  Consider 
how  many  souls  you  may  have  drawn  into  the  way 
of  damnation,  or  hardened  in  it.  We  liave  had.  in  the 
days  of  our  ignorance,  our  companions  in  sin,  whom 
we  enticed  or  encouraged.  And  doth  it  not  become 
us  to  do  as  much  to  save  men,  as  we  have  done  to 
destroy  them  ?  Consider  how  diligent  are  all  the 
enemies  of  these  poor  souls  to  draw  them  to  helL 
The  devil  is  tempting  them  day  and  night :  their  in- 
ward lusts  are  still  working  for  their  ruin :  the  flesh 
is  still  pleading  for  its  delights :  their  old  compan 
ions  are  increasing  their  dislike  of  holiness.  And  if 
nobody  be  diligent  in  helping  them  to  heaven,  what 
is  like  to  become  of  them  1 

Consider  how  deep  the  neglect  of  this  dutj-  will 
wound  when  conscience  is  awakened.  When  a  man 
comes  to  die,  conscience  will  ask  him,  ''  What  good 
hast  thou  done  in  thy  lifetime  t  The  saving  of  souls 
is  the  greatest  good  work;  what  hast  thou  done  to- 
ward it?     How  many  hast   thou    dealt    faithfully 

R     R.  20 


230  LXLITL.nENT    TO    SEEX 

witli  ?''  I  have  oi'ten  observed  that  the  consciences 
of  dying  men  very  mucli  wounded  tliem  for  thia 
omission.  For  my  own  part,  when  I  have  been  near 
death,  my  conscience  hath  accused  me  more  for  this 
than  for  any  sin;  it  would  bring  every  ignorant, 
profane  neighbor  to  my  remembrance,  to  whom  I 
never  made  known  their  danger ;  it  would  tell  me, 
"  Thou  shouldst  have  gone  to  them  in  private,  and 
told  them  plainly  of  their  desperate  danger,  though 
it  had  been  when  thou  shouldst  have  eaten  or  slept, 
if  thou  hadst  no  other  time."  Conscience  would  re- 
mind me  hovv^  at  such  or  such  a  time,  I  was  in 
company  with  the  ignorant,  or  riding  by  the  way 
with  a  willful  sinner,  and  had  a  fit  opportunity  to 
have  dealt  with  him,  but  did  not ;  or  at  least  did  it 
to  little  purpose.  The  Lord  grant  I  may  better 
obey  conscience  while  I  have  time,  that  it  may  have 
less  to  accuse  me  of  at  death  !  Consider  what  a 
seasonable  time  you  noAV  have  for  this  work.  There 
are  times  in  which  it  is  not  safe  to  speak ;  it  may 
cost  you  your  liberties  or  your  lives.  Besides,  your 
neighbors  will  shortly  die,  and  so  will  you.  Speak 
to  them,  therefore,  while  you  may.  Consider,  though 
this  is  a  work  of  the  greatest  charitJ^  yet  every  one 
of  you  may  perform  it ;  the  poorest  as  well  as  the 
rich :  every  one  hath  a  tongue  to  speak  to  a  sinner. 
Once  more,  consider  the  happy  consequences  of  this 
work  where  it  is  faithfully  done.  You  may  be  in- 
strumental in  saving  souls,  for  which  Christ  came 


THE  saints'   rest.  231 

down  and  died,  and  in  which  the  angels  of  God 
rejoice.  Such  souls  will  bless  you  here  and  here- 
after ;  God  will  have  much  glory  by  it ;  the  church 
will  be  multiplied  and  edified  by  it ;  your  own  souls 
will  enjoy  more  improvement  and  vigor  in  a  divine 
life,  more  peace  of  conscience,  more  rejoicing  in 
spirit.  Of  all  the  personal  mercies  that  I  ever  re- 
ceived, next  to  the  love  of  God  in  Christ  to  my 
own  soul,  I  must  most  joyfully  bless  him  for  the 
plentiful  success  of  my  endeavors  upon  others.  O 
what  fruits,  then,  might  I  have  seen,  if  I  had  been 
more  faithful !  I  know  we  need  be  very  jealous  of 
our  deceitful  hearts  in  this  point,  lest  our  rejoicing 
should  come  from  our  pride.  Naturally  we  would 
have  the  praise  of  every  good  work  ascribed  to 
ourselves ;  yet  to  imitate  our  Father  in  goodness 
and  mercy,  and  to  rejoice  in  the  degree  of  them  we 
attain  to,  is  the  duty  of  every  child  of  God.  I  there- 
fore tell  you  my  own  experience,  to  persuade  you, 
that  if  you  did  but  know  what  a  joyful  thing  it  is, 
you  would  follow  it  night  and  day  through  the 
greatest  discouragements. 

Up,  then,  every  man  that  hath  a  tongue,  and  is  a 
servant  of  Christ,  and  do  something  of  your  Mas- 
ter's work.  Why  hath  he  given  you  a  tongue,  but 
to  speak  in  his  service  ?  And  how  can  you  serve 
him  more  eminently  than  in  laboring  for  the  salva 
tion  of  souls  ?  He  that  will  pronounce  you  blessed 
at  the  last  day,  and  invite  you  to  "'  the  kingdom  pre- 


232  EXCITEMENT    TO    SEEK 

pared  for  you,"  because  you  "  fed  him,  and  clothed 
him,  and  visited  him,"  in  his  poor  members,  will 
surely  pronounce  you  blessed  for  so  great  a  work 
as  bringing  souls  to  his  kingdom.  He  that  saith, 
"the  poor  you  have  always  with  you,"  hath  left  the 
ungodly  always  with  you,  that  you  might  still  have 
matter  to  exercise  your  charity  upon.  If  you  have 
the  hearts  of  Christians  or  of  men,  let  them  yearn 
toward  your  ignorant,  ungodly  neighbors.  Say,  as 
the  lepers  of  Samaria,  "  We  do  not  well ;  this  day  is 
a  day  of  good  tidings,  and  we  hold  our  peace."  Hath 
God  had  so  much  mercy  on  you,  and  will  you  have 
no  mercy  on  your  poor  neighbors  ?  But  as  this  duty 
belongs  to  all  Christians,  so  especially  to  some,  ac- 
cording as  God  hath  called  them  to  it,  or  qualified 
them  for  it.  To  them,  therefore,  I  will  more  parti- 
cularly address  the  exhortation. 

1.  God  especially  expects  this  duty  at  your  hands, 
to  w^hom  he  hath  given  more  learning  and  know- 
ledge, and  endued  with  better  utterance,  than  your 
neighbors.  The  strong  are  made  to  help  the  weak, 
and  those  that  see  must  direct  the  blind.  God  look- 
eth  for  this  faithful  improvement  of  your  parts  and 
gifts,  which  if  you  neglect,  it  were  better  you  had 
never  received  them ;  for  they  will  but  aggravate 
your  condemnation,  and  be  as  useless  to  your  o\vn 
salvation  as  they  were  to  others. 

2.  All  those  that  are  particularly  acquainted  with 
some  ungodly  men,  and  that  have  peculiar  interest  in 


THE  saints'   rest.  233 

them,  God  looks  for  this  duty  at  your  hands.  Christ 
himself  did  eat  and  drink  with  publicans  and  sin- 
ners ;  but  it  was  only  to  be  their  physician,  and  not 
their  companion.  Who  knows  but  God  gave  you 
interest  in  them  to  this  end,  that  you  might  be  the 
means  of  their  recovery?  They  that  will  not  regard 
the  Avords  of  a  stranger,  may  regard  a  brother,  or 
sister,  or  husband,  or  wife,  or  near  friend ;  besides 
that  the  bond  of  friendship  engageth  you  to  more 
kindness  and  compassion  than  ordinary. 

■^  3.  Physicians  that  are  much  about  dying  men, 
should,  in  a  special  manner,  make  conscience  of  this 
duty.  It  is  their  peculiar  advantage,  that  they  are 
at  hand :  that  they  are  with  men  in  sickness  and 
dangers,  when  the  ear  is  more  open,  and  the  heart 
less  stubborn,  than  in  time  of  health ;  and  that  men 
look  upon  their  physician  as  a  person  in  whose 
hands  is  their  life ;  or,  at  least,  who  may  do  much 
to  save  them ;  and  therefore  they  will  the  more  re- 
gard his  advice.  You  that  are  of  this  honorable 
profession,  do  not  think  this  a  work  beside  your 
calling,  as  if  it  belonged  to  none  but  ministers :  ex- 
cept 3^ou  think  it  beside  your  calling  to  be  compas- 
sionate, or  to  be  Christians.  O  help,  therefore,  to 
fit  your  patients  for  heaven  !  and,  whether  you  see 
they  are  for  life  or  death,  teach  them  both  how  to 
live  and  die,  and  give  them  some  physic  for  their 
souls,  as  you  do  for  their  bodies.  Blessed  be  God, 
that  very  many  of  the  chief  physicians  of  this  age 
s.  R,  20* 


234  EXCITEMENT    TO    SEEK 

have,  by  their  eminent  piety,  vindicated  their  pro 
fession  from  the  common  imputation  of  atheism  and 
profaneness. 

4.  Men  of  weakh  and  authority,  and  that  have 
many  dependants,  have  excellent  advantages  for  this 
duty.  O  what  a  world  of  good  might  gentlemen  do. 
if  they  had  but  hearts  to  improve  their  influence  over 
others  !  Have  you  not  all  your  honor  and  riches 
from  God  ?  Doth  not  Christ  say,  "  Unto  whomso- 
ever much  is  given,  of  him  much  shall  be  requir- 
ed ?"  If  you  speak  to  your  dependants  for  God  and 
their  souls,  you  may  be  regarded,  when  even  a  mi- 
nister shall  be  despised.  As  you  value  the  honor 
of  God,  3^our  own  comfort,  and  the  salvation  of  souls, 
improve  your  influence  over  your  tenants  and  neigh- 
bors; visit  their  houses;  see  whether  they  worship 
God  in  their  families  ;  and  take  all  opportunities  to 
press  them  to  their  duty.  Despise  them  not.  Re- 
member, God  is  no  respecter  of  persons.  Let  men 
see  that  you  excel  others  in  piety,  compassion,  and 
diligence  in  God's  work,  as  you  do  in  the  riches  and 
honors  of  the  world.  I  confess  you  will,  by  this 
means,  be  singular,  but  then  you  will  be  singular 
in  glory;  for  few  of  the  "mighty  and  noble  are 
called." 

5.  As  for  the  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  it  is  the 
very  work  of  their  calling  to  help  others  to  heaven. 
Be  sure  to  make  it  the  main  end  of  your  studies  and 
preaching.     He  is  the  able,  skillful  minister,  that  is 


235 

best'  skilled  in  the  art  of  instructing,  convincing,  per- 
suading, and,  consequently,  of  winning  souls ;  and 
that  is  the  best  sermon  that  is  best  in  these.  When 
you  seek  not  God,  but  yourselves,  God  will  make 
you  the  most  contemptible  of  men.  It  is  true  of 
your  reputation,  what  Christ  says  of  your  life,  "  He 
that  loveth  it  shall  lose  it."  Let  the  vigor  of  your 
persuasions  show  that  you  are  sensible  on  how 
weighty  a  business  you  are  sent.  Preach  with  se- 
riousness and  fervor,  as  men  that  believe  their  own 
doctrine,  and  that  know  their  hearers  must  be  pre- 
vailed with,  or  be  damned.  Think  not  that  all  your 
work  is  in  your  studies  and  pulpit.  You  are  shep- 
herds, and  must  know  every  sheep,  and  what  is  their 
disease,  and  mark  their  strayings,  and  help  to  cure 
them,  and  fetch  them  home.  Learn  of  Paul,  not 
only  to  "  teach  your  people  publicly,  but  from  house 
to  house."  Inquire  how  they  grow  in  knowledge 
and  holiness,  and  on  what  grounds  they  build  their 
hopes  of  salvation,  and  whether  they  walk  upright- 
ly, and  perform  their  duties  of  their  several  rela- 
tions. See  whether  they  worship  God  in  their  fa- 
milies, and  teach  them  how  to  do  it.  Be  familiar 
with  them,  that  you  may  maintain  your  interest  in 
them,  and  improve  it  all  for  God.  Know  of  them 
how  they  profit  by  public  teaching.  If  any  too  lit- 
tle "  savor  the  things  of  the  Spirit,"  let  them  be  piti- 
ed, but  not  neglected.  If  any  walk  disorderly,  re- 
cover them  with  diligence  and  patience.     If  they  be 


236  EXCITEMENT    TO    SEEK 

ignorant,  it  may  be  your  fault  as  much  as  theirs. 
Be  not  asleep  while  the  wolf  is  waking.  Deal  not 
slightly  with  any.  Some  will  not  tell  their  people 
plainly  of  their  sins,  because  they  are  great  men; 
and  some,  because  they  are  godly;  as  if  none  but 
the  poor  and  the  wicked  should  be  dealt  plainly 
with.  Yet  labor  to  be  skillful  and  discreet,  that  the 
manner  may  answer  to  the  excellency  of  the  mat- 
ter. Every  reasonable  soul  hath  both  judgment  and 
affection ;  and  every  rational,  spiritual  sermon  must 
have  both.  Study  and  pray,  and  pray  and  study, 
till  you  are  become  "workmen  that  need  not  be 
ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth:"  that 
3''our  people  may  not  be  ashamed,  nor  weary  in 
hearing  you.  Let  your  conversation  be  teaching, 
as  well  as  your  doctrine.  Be  as  forward  in  a  holy 
and  heavenly  life  as  you  are  in  pressing  others  to 
it.  Let  your  discourse  be  edifying  and  spiritual. 
Suffer  any  thing,  rather  than  the  Gospel  and  men  s 
souls  should  suffer.  Let  men  see  that  you  use  not 
the  ministry  only  for  a  trade  to  live  by;  but  that 
your  hearts  are  set  upon  the  welfare  of  souls. 
Whatsoever  meekness,  humility,  condescension,  or 
self-denial  you  teach  them  from  the  Gospel,  teach 
it  them  also  by  your  undissembled  example.  Study 
and  strive  after  unity  and  peace.  If  ever  you  would 
promote  the  kingdom  of  Christ  and  your  people's 
salvation,  do  it  in  a  way  of  peace  and  love.  It  is 
as  hard  a  thing  to  maintain  in  your  people  a  sound 


THE  saints'  rest,  237 

understanding,  a  tender  conscience,  a  lively,  gra- 
cious, heavenly  frame  of  spirit,  and  an  upright  life, 
amidst  contention,  as  to  keep  your  candle  lighted  in 
the  greatest  storms.  "  Blessed  is  that  servant  whom 
his  Lord,  when  he  cometh,  shall  find  so  doing." 

6.  All  you  whom  God  hath  intrusted  with  the 
care  of  children  and  servants,  I  would  also  persuade 
to  this  great  work  of  helping  others  to  the  heaven- 
ly rest.  Consider  what  plain  and  pressing  com- 
mands of  God  require  this  at  your  hands.  "  These 
words  thou  shalt  teach  diligently  unto  thy  children, 
and  shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  thine 
house,  and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and 
when  thou  liest  down,  and  when  thou  risest  up. 
Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go,  and  when 
he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it.  Bring  up  your 
children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord." 
Joshua  resolved  that  "  he  and  his  house  would  serve 
the  Lord."  And  God  himself  says  of  Abraham, 
"  I  know  him,  that  he  will  command  his  children, 
and  his  household  after  him,  and  they  shall  keep 
the  way  of  the  Lord."  Consider,  it  is  a  duty  you 
owe  your  children  in  point  of  justice.  From  you 
they  received  the  defilement  and  misery  of  their  na- 
tures ;  and  therefore  you  owe  them  all  possible  help 
for  their  recovery.  Consider  how  near  your  chil- 
dren are  to  you  :  they  are  parts  of  yourselves.  If 
they  prosper  when  you  are  dead,  you  take  it  as  if 
you  lived  and  prospered  in  them  :  and  should  you 


238  EXCITEMENT     TO    SEEK. 

not  be  of  the  same  mind  for  their  everlasting  rest  ? 
Otherwise  you  will  be  Avitnesses  against  your  own 
souls.  Your  care,  and  pains,  and  cost  for  their  bo- 
dies, will  condemn  you  for  your  neglect  of  their 
precious  souls.  Yea,  all  the  brute  creatures  may 
condemn  yoa.  Which  of  them  is  not  tender  of 
their  young  ?  Consider,  God  hath  made  your  chil- 
dren your  charge,  and  your  servants  too.  Every 
one  will  confess  they  are  the  minister's  charge. 
And  have  not  you  a  greater  charge  of  your  own 
families  than  any  minister  can  have  of  them  ?  Doubt- 
less at  your  hands  God  will  require  the  blood  of 
their  souls.  It  is  the  greatest  charge  you  w^ere  ever 
intrusted  with,  and  wo  to  you,  if  you  suffer  them  to 
be  ignorant  or  wicked  for  want  of  your  instruction 
or  correction.  Consider  what  work  there  is  for  you 
in  their  dispositions  and  lives.  Theirs  is  not  one 
sin,  but  thousands.  They  have  hereditary  diseases 
bred  in  their  natures.  The  things  you  must  teach 
them  are  contrary  to  the  interests  and  desires  of 
their  flesh.  May  the  Lord  make  you  sensible  what 
a  work  and  charge  lieth  upon  you !  Consider  what 
sorrows  you  prepare  for  yourselves  by  the  neglect 
of  your  children.  If  they  prove  thorns  in  your 
eyes,  they  are  of  your  own  planting.  If  you  should 
repent  and  be  saved,  is  it  nothing  to  think  of  theii 
damnation  ;  p.nd  yourselves  the  occasion  of  it  ?  But 
if  you  die  in  your  sins,  how  will  they  cry  out 
against  you  in  hell !   *'  All  this  was  wrong  of  you ; 


THE  saints'   kest.  239 

you  should  have  taught  us  better,  and  did  not :  you 
should  have  restrained  us  from  sin  and  corrected  us, 
but  did  not."  What  an  addition  will  such  outcries 
be  to  your  misery  !  On  the  other  side,  think  what  a 
comfort  you  may  have,  if  you  be  faithful  in  this  du- 
ty! If  you  should  not  succeed,  you  have  freed  your 
own  souls,  and  have  peace  in  your  own  consciences. 
If  you  do,  the  comfort  is  inexpressible,  in  their  love  and 
obedience,  their  supplying  your  wants,  and  delight- 
ing you  in  all  your  remaining  path  to  glory.  Yea, 
all  your  family  may  fare  the  better  for  one  pious 
child  or  servant.  But  the  greatest  joy  will  be,  when 
you  shall  say,  "  Lord,  here  am  I,  and  the  children 
thou  hast  given  me ;"  and  shall  joyfully  live  Avith 
them  for  ever.  Consider  how  much  the  welfare  of 
church  and  state  depends  on  this  duty.  Good  laws 
will  not  reform  us,  if  reformation  begin  not  at  home. 
This  is  the  cause  of  all  our  miseries  in  church  and 
state,  even  the  want  of  a  holy  education  of  children. 
I  also  entreat  parents  to  consider  what  excellent  ad- 
vantages they  have  for  promoting  the  salvation  of 
their  children.  They  are  with  you  while  they  are 
tender  and  flexible  :  you  have  a  twig  to  bend,  not  an 
oak.  None  in  the  world  have  such  interest  in  their 
a  flections  as  you  have :  you  have  also  the  greatest 
authority  over  them.  Their  whole  dependence  is 
upon  you  for  a  maintenance.  You  best  know  their 
temper  and  inclinations.  And  you  are  ever  with 
them,  and  can  never  want  opportunities  ;  especially 


240       '  EXCITLMENT  TO  SEEK. 

you,  mothers,  remember  this,  who  are  more  -with 
your  children,  while  young,  than  their  fathers. 
What  pains  are  you  at  for  their  bodies !  What  do 
you  suffer  to  bring  them  into  the  world!  And  will 
you  not  be  at  as  much  pains  for  the  saving  of  their 
souls  ?  Your  affections  are  tender,  and  will  it  not 
move  )'0u  to  think  of  their  perishing  for  ever  ?  I 
beseech  you,  for  the  sake  of  the  children  of  your 
bowels,  teach  them,  admonisli  them,  watch  over 
them,  and  give  them  no  rest  till  you  have  brought 
them  to  Christ. 

I  shall  conclude  with  this  earnest  request  to  all 
Christian  parents  that  read  these  lines,  that  they 
would  have  compassion  on  the  souls  of  their  poor 
children,  and  be  faithful  of  the  great  trust  that  God 
hath  put  on  them.  If  you  cannot  do  what  you  would 
for  them,  yet  do  what  you  can.  Both  church  and  state, 
city  and  countr}^  groan  under  the  neglect  of  this 
weighty  duty.  Your  children  know  not  God  nor 
his  laws,  but  "take  his  name  in  vain,''  and  slight 
his  worship,  and  j^ou  neither  instruct  them  nor  cor- 
rect them :  and  therefore  God  corrects  both  them 
and  you.  You  are  so  tender  of  them,  that  God  is  the 
less  tender  of  both  them  and  you.  Wonder  not  if 
God  makes  you  smart  for  your  children's  sins ;  for 
you  are  guilty  of  all  they  commit,  by  your  neglect 
of  your  duty  to  reform  them.  Will  j'ou  resolve, 
therefore,  to  set  upon  this  duty,  and  neglect  it  no 
longer  ?     Remember  Eli.    Your  children  are  like 


THE  saints'   rest.  241 

Moses  in  the  bulrushes,  ready  to  perish  if  they  have 
not  help.     If  you  would  not  be  charged  before  God 
as  murderers  of  their  souls,  nor  have  them  cry  out 
against  you  in  everlasting  fire,  see  that  you  teach 
them  how  to  escape  it,  and  bring  them  up  in  holi- 
ness and  the  fear  of  God.     I  charge  every  one  of 
you,  upon  your  allegiance  to  God,  as  you  will  very 
shortly  answer  the  contrary  at  your  peril,  that  you 
will  neither  refuse  nor  neglect  this  most  necessary 
duty.    If  you  are  not  willing  to  do  it,  now  you  know 
it  to  be  so  great  a  duty,  you  are  rebels,  and  no  true 
subjects  of  Jesus  Christ.     If  you  are  willing,  but 
know  not  how,  I  will  add  a  few  words  of  direction 
to  help  you.     Lead  them,  by  your  own  example,  to 
prayer,  reading,  and  other  religious  duties ;  inform 
their  understandings ;  store  their  memories  ;  rectify 
their  wills ;  quicken  their  affections ;  keep  tender 
their  consciences  ;  restrain  their  tongues,  and  teach 
them  gracious  speech  ;  reform  and  watch  over  their 
outward  conversation.     To  these  ends,  get  them  Bi- 
bles and  pious  books,  and  see  that  they  read  them. 
Examine  them  often  what  they   learn;  especially 
spend  the  Lord's  day  in  this  work,  and  suffer  them  not 
to  spend  it  in  sports  or  idleness.  Shov»r  them  the  mean- 
ing of  Avhat  they  read  or  learn.     Instruct  them  out  of 
the  holy  Scriptures.     Keep  them  out  of  evil  com- 
pany, and  acquaint  them  with  the  godly.  Especially 
show  them  the  necessity,  excellency,  and  pleasure  of 
serving  God,  and  labor  to  fix  all  upon  their  hearts. 

S.    R.  21 


242  THE  saints'   rest 

CHAPTER    X 

THE   saints'  rest   18   NOT   TO    BE   EXPECTED    ON    EAaTH. 

[n  order  to  show  the  sin  and  folly  of  expecting  rest  here,  I. 
The  reasonableness  of  present  affiidions  is  considered  ;  1. 
That  they  are  the  way  to  rest;  2.  Keep  us  from  mistaking 
our  rest ;  3.  From  losing  our  way  to  it ;  4.  Quicken  our 
pace  toward  it;  5.  Chiefiy  incommode  our  flesh;  6.  Under 
them,  the  sweetest  foretastes  of  rest  are  often  enjoyed.  II.  Hovj 
unreasonable  to  rest  in  present  enjoyments;  1.  That  it  is 
idolatry ;  2.  Tfuit  it  contradicts  God^s  end  in  giving  them  ; 
3.  Is  the  way  to  have  them  refused,  withdrawn,  or  imhitter- 
ed ;  4.  That  to  be  suffered  to  take  up  our  rest  here  is  the 
greatest  curse ;  5.  T/cat  it  is  seeking  rest  where  it  is  not ;  6. 
That  the  creatures,  without  God,  vjould  aggravate  our  mi- 
ftery  ;  7.  And  all  this  is  confirmed  by  experience.  III.  How 
unreasonable  our  unwillingness  to  die,  and  possess  the  saints* 
rest,  is  largely  considered. 

We  are  not  yet  come  to  our  resting-place.  Doth 
it  remain  ?  How  great,  then,  is  our  sin  and  folly  to 
seek  and  expect  it  here !  Where  shall  we  find  the 
Christian  that  deserves  not  this  reproof?  We  would 
all  have  continual  prosperity,  because  it  is  easy  and 
pleasing  to  the  flesh ;  but  we  consider  not  the  unrea- 
sonableness of  such  desires.  And  when  we  enjoy  con- 
venient houses,  goods,  lands,  and  revenues,  or  the  ne- 
cessary means  God  hath  appointed  for  our  spiritual 
good,  we  seek  rest  in  these  enjoyments.  Whether 
we  are  in  an  afflicted  or  prosperous  state,  it  is  appa* 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  243 

rent,  we  exceedingly  make  the  creature  our  rest. 
Do  we  not  desire  creature  enjoyments  more  violent- 
ly, when  we  want  them,  than  we  desire  God  him- 
self? Do  we  not  delight  more  in  the  possession  of 
them,  than  in  the  enjoyment  of  God  ?  And  if  we 
lose  them,  doth  it  not  trouble  us  more  than  our  loss 
of  God  ?  Is  it  not  enough  that  they  are  refreshing 
helps  in  our  way  to  heaven,  but  they  must  also  be 
made  our  heaven  itself?  Christian  reader,  I  would 
as  willingly  make  thee  sensible  of  this  sin,  as  of  any 
sin  in  the  world,  if  I  could  tell  how  to  do  it ;  for  the 
Lord's  greatest  quarrel  with  us  is  in  this  point.  In 
order  to  this,  I  most  earnestly  beseech  thee  to  consi- 
der the  reasonableness  of  present  afflictions,  and  the 
unreasonableness  of  resting  in  present  enjoyments  ; 
as  also  of  our  unwillingness  to  die,  that  we  may 
possess  eternal  rest. 

First.  To  show  the  reasonableness  of  present  af- 
flictions, consider — they  are  the  way  to  rest ;  they 
keep  us  from  mistaking  our  rest,  and  from  losing 
the  way  to  it ;  they  quicken  our  pace  toward  it ; 
they  chiefly  incommode  our  flesh ;  and  under  them 
God's  people  have  often  the  sweetest  foretastes  of 
their  rest. 

1.  Consider  that  labor  and  trouble  are  the  com- 
mon way  to  rest,  both  in  the  course  of  nature  and 
grace.  Can  there  possibly  be  rest  without  weari- 
ness ?  Do  you  not  travail  and  toil  first,  and  rest  after  ? 
The  day  for  labor  is  first,  and  then  follows  the  night 


244  THE  saints'  rest 

for  rest.  Why  should  we  desire  the  course  of 
grace  to  be  perverted,  any  more  than  the  course  of 
nature  ?  It  is  an  established  decree,  "  that  we  must, 
through  much  tribulation,  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
God;"  and  that,  "if  we  suffer,  we  shall  also  reign 
with  Christ."  And  what  are  we,  that  God's  sta- 
tutes should  be  reversed  for  our  pleasure  ? 

2.  Afflictions  are  exceedingly  useful  to  us,  to 
keep  us  from  mistaking  our  rest.  A  Christian's 
motion  toward  heaven  is  voluntary,  and  not  con- 
strained. Those  means,  therefore,  are  most  profit- 
able, which  help  his  understanding  and  will.  The 
most  dangerous  mistake  of  our  souls  is,  to  take  the 
creature  for  God,  and  earth  for  heaven.  What 
warm,  affectionate,  eager  thoughts  have  we  of  the 
world,  till  afflictions  cool  and  moderate  them !  Af- 
flictions speak  convincingly,  and  will  be  heard  when 
preachers  cannot.  Many  a  poor  Christian  is  some- 
times bending  his  thoughts  to  wealth,  or  flesh-pleas- 
ing, or  applause,  and  so  loses  his  relish  of  Christ, 
and  the  joy  above;  till  God  break  in  upon  his 
riches,  or  children,  or  conscience,  or  health,  and 
break  down  his  mountain  which  he  thought  so 
strong.  And  then  when  he  lieth  in  Manasseh's  fet- 
ters, or  is  fastened  to  his  bed  with  pining  sickness, 
the  world  is  nothing,  and  heaven  is  something.  If 
our  dear  Lord  did  not  put  these  thorns  under  our 
head,  we  should  sleep  out  our  lives,  and  lose  our 
glory. 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  245 

3.  Afflictions  are  also  God's  most  effectual  means 
to  keep  us  from  losing  our  way  to  our  rest.     With- 
out this  hedge  of  thorns  on  the  right  hand  and  left, 
we   should  hardly  keep  the  way  to    heaven.      If 
there  be  but  one  gap  open,  how  ready  are  we  to  find  it, 
and  turn  out  at   it !  When   we  grow   wanton,  or 
worldly,  or   proud,  how   much   doth   sickness    or 
other  affliction  reduce  us !  Every  Christian,  as  well 
as  Luther,  may  call  affliction  one  of  the  best  school- 
masters ;  and,  with  David,  may  say,  "  Before  I  was 
afflicted,  I  went  astray ;  but  now  have   I  kept  thy 
word."      Many    thousand   recovered    sinners   may 
cry,  "  O  heahhful  sickness  !  O  comfortable  sorrows ! 
O  gainful  losses  !   O  enriching  poverty  !   O  blessed 
day  that  ever  I  was  afflicted !"   Not  only  the  "green 
pastures  and  still  waters,  but  the  rod  and  staff,  they 
comfort  us."     Though  the  word  and  Spirit  do  the 
main  work,  yet  suffering  so  unbolts  the  door  of  the 
heart,  that  the  word  hath  easier  entrance, 

4.  Afflictions  likewise  serve  to  quicken  our  pace 
in  the  way  to  our  rest.  It  were  well,  if  mere  love 
would  prevail  with  us,  and  that  we  were  rather 
drawn  to  heaven  than  driven.  But,  seeing  our 
hearts  are  so  bad  that  mercy  will  not  do  it,  it  is  bet- 
ter to  be  put  on  with  the  sharpest  scourge,  than  loi- 
ter, like  the  foolish  virgins,  till  the  door  is  shut.  O 
what  a  difference  is  there  betwixt  our  prayers  in 
health  and  in  sickness  !  betwixt  our  repentings  in 
prosperity   and   adversity !    Alas !    if  we   did   not 

5.  R.  2P 


246    "  THE  saints'  rest 

sometimes  feel  the  spur,  what  a  slow  pace  would 
most  of  us  hold  toward  heaven  !  Since  our  vile  na- 
tures require  it,  why  should  we  be  unwilling  that 
God  should  do  us  good  by  sharp  means  ?  Judge, 
Christian,  whether  thou  dost  not  go  more  watchful- 
ly and  speedily  in  the  way  to  heaven,  in  thy  suffer- 
ings, than  in  thy  more  pleasing  and  prosperous 
state. 

5.  Consider,  further,  it  is  but  the  flesh  that  is 
chiefly  troubled  and  grieved  by  afliictions.  In  most 
of  our  sufferings  the  soul  is  free,  unless  we  our- 
selves willfully  afflict  it.  "  Why,  then,  O  my  soul, 
dost  thou  side  with  this  flesh,  and  complain  as  it 
complaineth  1  It  should  be  thy  work  to  keep  it  un- 
der, and  bring  it  into  subjection;  and  if  God  do  it 
for  thee,  shouldst  thou  be  discontented  ?  Hath  not 
the  pleasing  of  it  been  the  cause  of  almost  all  thy 
spiritual  .sorrows  1  Why,  then,  may  not  the  displeas- 
ing of  it  further  thy  joy  ?  Must  not  Paul  and  Silas 
sing,  because  their  feet  are  in  the  stocks  ?  Their 
spirits  were  not  imprisoned.  Ah,  unworthy  soul !  is 
this  thy  thanks  to  God  for  preferring  thee  so  far  be- 
fore thy  body  ?  When  it  is  rotting  in  the  grave,  thou 
shalt  be  a  companion  of  the  perfected  spirits  of  the 
iust.  In  the  meantime,  hast  thou  not  consolation 
which  the  flesh  knows  not  of?  Murmur  not,  then, 
at  God's  dealings  with  thy  body :  if  it  were  for  want 
of  love  to  thee,  he  would  not  have  dealt  so  by  all  his 
saints.  Never  expect  thy  flesh  should  truly  expound 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  247 

the  meaning  of  the  rod.  It  will  call  love  hatred,  and 
say,  God  is  destroying,  when  he  is  saving.  It  is  the 
suffering  party,  and  therefore  not  fit  to  be  the  judge." 
Could  we  once  believe  God,  and  judge  of  his  deal- 
ings by  his  word,  and  by  their  usefulness  to  our 
souls  and  reference  to  our  rest,  and  could  we  stop 
our  ears  against  all  the  clamors  of  the  flesh,  then  we 
should  have  a  truer  judgment  of  our  afflictions. 

6.  Once  more,  consider,  God  seldom  gives  his 
people  so  sweet  a  foretaste  of  their  future  rest,  as  in 
their  deep  afflictions.  He  keeps  his  most  precious 
cordials  for  the  time  of  our  greatest  faintings  and 
dangers.  He  gives  them  when  he  knows  they  are 
needed  and  will  be  valued,  and  when  he  is  sure 
to  be  thanked  for  them,  and  that  his  people  will  be 
rejoiced  by  them.  Especially  when  our  sufferings 
are  more  directly  for  his  cause,  then  he  seldom  fails 
to  sweeten  the  bitter  cup.  The  martyrs  have  pos- 
sessed the  highest  joys.  When  did  Christ  preach 
such  comforts  to  his  disciples,  as  when  "  their  hearts 
were  sorrowful"  at  his  departure?  When  did  he 
appear  among  them,  and  say,  "  Peace  be  unto  you," 
but  when  they  were  shut  up  for  fear  of  the  Jews  ? 
When  did  Stephen  see  heaven  opened,  but  when  he 
was  giving  up  his  life  for  the  testimony  of  Jesus  ? 
Is  not  that  our  best  state,  wherein  we  have  most  of 
God  ?  Why  else  do  we  desire  to  come  to  heaven  ? 
If  we  look  for  a  heaven  of  fleshly  delights,  we  shall 
find  ourselves  mistaken.    Conclude,  then,  that  afflic- 


248 

tion  is  not  so  bad  a  state  for  a  saint  in  his  way  to 
rest.  Are  we  wiser  than  God  ?  Doth  he  not  know 
what  is  good  for  us,  as  well  as  we  ?  or  is  he  not  as 
careful  of  our  good  as  we  are  of  our  own  ?  Wo  to 
us,  if  he  were  not  much  more  so  ;  and  if  he  did  not 
love  us  better  than  we  love  either  him  or  ourselves ' 
Say  not,  "  I  could  bear  any  other  affliction  but 
this  ."  If  God  had  afflicted  thee  where  thou  canst 
bear  it,  thy  idol  would  neither  have  been  discovered 
nor  removed.  Neither  say,  "  If  God  would  deliver 
me  out  of  it,  I  could  be  content  to  bear  it."  Is  it  no- 
thing, that  he  hath  promised  it  "  shall  work  for  thy 
good?"  Is  it  not  enough  that  thou  art  sure  to  be  de- 
livered at  death  1  Nor  let  it  be  said,  "  If  my  afflic- 
tion did  not  disable  me  from  my  duty,  I  could  bear 
it."  It  doth  not  disable  thee  for  that  duty  which  tend- 
eth  to  thy  o\vn  personal  benefit,  but  is  the  greatest 
quickening  help  thou  canst  expect.  As  for  thy  duty 
to  others,  it  is  not  thy  duty  when  God  disables  thee. 
Perhaps  thou  wilt  say,  "  The  godly  are  my  afflict- 
ers;  if  it  were  ungodly  men,  I  could  easily  bear  it." 
Whoever  is  the  instrument,  the  affliction  is  from 
God,  and  the  deserving  cause  thyself;  and  is  it  not 
better  to  look  more  to  God  than  thyself?  Didst  thou 
not  know  that  the  best  men  are  still  sinful  in  part  ? 
Do  not  plead,  "  If  I  had  but  that  consolation  which 
you  say  God  reserveth  for  suffering  times,  I  should 
suffer  more  contentedly ;  but  I  do  not  perceive  any 
such  thing."  The  more  you  suffer  for  righteousness' 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  249 

sake,  the  more  of  this  blessing  you  may  expect ;  and 
the  more  you  suffer  for  your  own  evil  doing-,  the 
longer  it  will  be  before  that  sweetness  comes.  Are 
not  the  comforts  you  desire  neglected  or  resisted  ? 
Have  your  afflictions  wrought  kindly  with  you,  and 
fitted  you  for  comfort  ?  It  is  not  suffering  that  pre- 
pares you  for  comfort,  but  the  success  and  fruit  of 
suffering  upon  your  hearts. 

Secondly.  To  show  the  unreasonableness  of  rest- 
ing in  present  enjoyments,  consider — it  is  idolizing 
them ;  it  contradicts  God's  end  in  giving  them ;  it 
is  the  way  to  have  them  refused,  withdrawn,  or  im- 
bittered ;  to  be  suffered  to  take  up  our  rest  here,  is 
the  greatest  curse ;  it  is  seeking  rest  where  it  is  not 
to  be  found ;  the  creatures,  without  God,  would  ag- 
gravate our  misery ;  and  to  confirm  all  this,  we  may 
consult  our  own  and  others'  experience. 

1.  It  is  gross  idolatry  to  make  any  creature,  or 
means,  our  rest.  To  be  the  rest  of  the  soul,  is  God's 
own  prerogative.  As  it  is  apparent  idolatry  to  place 
our  rest  in  riches  or  honors,  so  it  is  but  a  more  re- 
fined idolatry  to  take  up  our  rest  in  excellent  means 
of  grace.  How  ill  must  our  dear  Lord  take  it,  when 
we  give  him  cause  to  complain,  as  he  did  of  our 
fellow-idolaters  :  "  My  people  have  been  lOSt  sheep ; 
ihey  have  forgotten  their  resting-place.  My  people 
can  find  rest  in  any  thing  rather  than  ia  me.  They 
can  delight  in  one  another,  but  not  in  me.  They 
can  rejoice  in  my  creatures  and  ordinances,  but  not 


t50  THE    saints'    rest 

in  me.  Yea,  in  their  very  labors  and  duties  they 
seek  for  rest,  but  not  in  me.  They  had  rather  be 
any  where  than  be  with  me.  Are  these  their  gods  ? 
Have  these  redeemed  them  ?  Will  these  be  better 
to  them  than  I  have  been,  or  than  I  would  be  ?" 
If  yourselves  had  a  wife,  a  husband,  a  son,  who 
had  rather  be  any  where  than  in  your  company, 
and  was  never  so  merry  as  when  farthest  from 
you,  would  you  not  take  it  ill  ?  So  must  our  God 
needs  do. 

2.  You  contradict  the  end  of  God  in  giving  these 
enjoyments.  He  gave  them  to  help  thee  to  him, 
and  dost  thou  take  up  with  them  in  his  stead  ?  He 
gave  them  to  be  refreshments  in  thy  journey,  and 
wouldst  thou  dwell  in  thy  inn  and  go  no  farther  ? 
It  may  be  said  of  all  our  comforts  and  ordinances, 
as  is  said  of  the  Israelites,  "  The  ark  of  the  covenant 
of  the  Lord  went  before  them,  to  search  out  a  rest- 
mg-place  for  them."  So  do  all  God's  mercies  here. 
They  are  not  that  rest ;  as  John  professed  he  was 
not  the  Christ ;  but  they  are  "  voices  crying  in  this 
wilderness,"  to  bid  us  prepare,  "  for  the  kingdom  of 
God,"  our  true  rest,  "  is  at  hand."  Therefore,  to 
rest  here,  were  to  turn  all  mercies  contrary  to  theii 
own  ends  and  to  our  own  advantages,  and  to  destroy 
ourselves  with  that  which  should  help  us. 

3.  It  is  the  way  to  cause  God  either  to  deny  the 
mercies  we  ask,  or  to  take  from  us  those  we  enjoy, 
or  at  least  imbitter  them  to  us.    God  is  nowhere  so 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  251 

jealous  as  here.  If  you  had  a  servant  whom  your 
wife  loved  belter  than  yourself,  would  you  not  take 
it  ill  of  such  a  wife,  and  rid  your  house  of  such  a 
servant  ?  So,  if  the  Lord  see  you  begin  to  settle  in 
the  world,  and  say,  "  Here  I  will  rest,"  no  wonder 
if  he  soon,  in  his  jealousy,  unsettle  you.  If  he  love 
you,  no  wonder  if  he  take  that  from  you  with  which 
he  sees  you  are  destroyii/g  yourselves.  It  hath  long 
been  my  observation  of  many,  that  when  they  have 
attempted  great  works,  and  have  just  finished  them ; 
or  have  aimed  at  great  things  in  the  world,  and  have 
just  obtained  them ;  or  have  lived  in  much  trouble, 
and  have  just  overcome  it ;  and  begin  to  look  on 
their  condition  with  content,  and  rest  in  it ;  they  are 
then  usually  near  to  death  or  ruin.  When  a  man 
is  once  at  this  language,  "  Soul,  take  thy  ease,"  the 
next  news  usually  is,  "  Thou  fool,  this  night,"  or 
this  month,  or  this  year,  "  thy  soul  shall  be  requir- 
ed, and  then  whose  shall  these  things  be  ?"  What 
house  is  there,  where  this  fool  dwelleth  not  ?  Let 
-you  and  I  consider  whether  it  be  not  our  own  case. 
Many  a  servant  of  God  hath  been  destroyed  from 
the  earth,  by  being  overvalued  and  overloved.  I 
am  persuaded,  our  discontents  and  murmurings  are 
not  so  provoking  to  God,  nor  so  destructive  to  the 
sinner,  as  our  too  sweet  enjoying,  and  resting  in,  a 
pleasing  state.  If  God  hath  crossed  you  in  wife, 
children,  goods,  friends,  either  by  taking  them 
away,  or  the  comfort  of  them,  try  whether  this  bo 


252  THE  saints'  rest 

not  the  cause ;  for  wheresoever  your  desires  slop, 
and  you  say,  "  Noav  I  am  well,"  that  condition  you 
make  your  god,  and  engage  the  jealousy  of  God 
against  it.  Whether  you  be  friends  to  God,  or  ene- 
mies, you  can  never  expect  that  God  should  suffer 
you  quietly  to  enjoy  your  idols, 

4.  Should  God  suffer  you  to  take  up  your  rest 
here,  it  is  one  of  the  greatest  curses  that  could  befall 
you.  It  were  better  never  to  have  a  day  of  ease  in 
the  world ;  for  then  weariness  might  make  you  seek 
after  true  rest.  But  if  you  are  suffered  to  sit  down 
and  rest  here,  a  restless  wretch  you  will  be  through 
all  eternity.  To  "  have  their  portion  in  this  life," 
is  the  lot  of  the  most  miserable,  perishing  sinners. 
Doth  it  become  Christians,  then,  to  expect  so  much 
here  ?  Our  rest  is  our  heaven  ;  and  where  we  take 
our  rest,  there  we  make  our  heaven.  And  wouldst 
thou  have  but  such  a  heaven  as  this  ? 

5.  It  is  seeking  rest  where  it  is  not  to  be  found. 
Your  labor  will  be  lost ;  and  if  you  proceed,  your 
soul's  eternal  rest  too.  Our  rest  is  only  in  the  full 
obtaining  of  our  ultimate  end.  But  that  is  not  to  be 
expected  in  this  life ;  neither  is  rest,  therefore,  to  be 
expected  here.  Is  God  to  be  enjoyed  in  the  best 
church  here,  as  he  is  in  heaven  1  How  little  of  God 
the  saints  enjoy  under  the  best  means,  let  their  own 
complainings  testify.  Poor  comforters  are  the  best 
ordinances  without  God.  Should  a  traveler  take  up 
his  rest  in  the  way  ?  No  ;  because  his  home  is  his 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  253 

journey's  end.  When  you  have  all  that  creatures 
and  means  can  afford,  have  you  that  you  believed, 
prayed,  suffered  for  ?  I  think  you  dare  not  say  so. 
We  are  like  little  children  strayed  from  home,  and 
God  is  now  fetching  us  home,  and  we  are  ready  to 
turn  into  any  house,  stay  and  play  with  every  thing 
in  our  way,  and  sit  down  on  every  green  bank,  and 
much  ado  there  is  to  get  us  home.  We  are  also 
in  the  midst  of  our  labors  and  dangers  ;  and  is  there 
any  resting  here  ?  What  painful  work  doth  lie  upon 
our  hands !  to  our  brethren,  to  our  souls,  and  to 
God ;  and  what  a  deal  of  work,  in  respect  to  each  of 
these,  doth  lie  before  us  !  And  can  we  rest  in  the 
midst  of  all  our  labors'?  Indeed,  we  may  rest  on 
earth,  as  the  ark  is  said  to  have  "  rested  in  the  midst 
of  Jordan  " — a  short  and  small  rest ;  or  as  Abraham 
desired  the  "angels  to  turn  in  and  rest  themselves" 
in  his  tent,  where  they  would  have  been  loth  to  have 
taken  up  their  dwelling.  Should  Israel  'have  fixed 
their  rest  in  the  wilderness,  among  serpents,  and 
enemies,  and  weariness,  and  famine  ?  Should  Noah 
have  made  the  ark  his  home,  and  have  been  loth  to 
come  forth  when  the  waters  were  assuaged  ?  Should 
the  mariner  choose  his  dwelling  on  the  sea,  and  set- 
tle his  rest  in  the  midst  of  rocks,  and  sands,  and  ra- 
ging tempests  ?  Should  a  soldier  rest  in  the  thickest 
of  his  enemies  ?-  And  are  not  Christians  such  travel- 
ers, such  mariners,  such  soldiers?  Have  you  not 
fears  within  and  troubles  without  ?  Are  we  not  in 
s.  R.  22 


254  THE  saints'  rest 

continual  dangers?  We  cannot  eat,  chink,  sleep,  la* 
bor,  pray,  hear,  converse,  but  in  the  midst  of  snares  ; 
and  shall  we  sit  down  and  rest  here  ?  O  Christian, 
ibllow  thy  Avork,  look  to  thy  dangers,  hold  on  lo  the 
end,  win  the  field,  and  come  off  the  ground,  before 
thou  think  of  a  settled  rest.  Whenever  thou  talkest 
of  a  rest  on  earth,  it  is  like  Peter  on  the  mount, 
"  thou  knowest  not  what  thou  say  est."  If,  instead 
of  telling  the  converted  thief,  "  this  day  shalt  thou 
oe  with  me  in  paradise,"  Christ  had  said  he  should 
rest  there  upon  the  cross,  would  he  not  have  taken 
it  for  a  derision  ?  Methinks  it  would  be  ill  resting 
in  the  midst  of  sickness  and  pains,  persecutions  and 
distresses.  But  if  nothing  else  will  convince  us,  yet 
sure  the  remainders  of  sin,  which  does  so  easily  be- 
set us,  should  quickly  satisfy  a  believer,  that  here  is 
not  his  rest.  I  say,  therefore,  to  every  one  that  think- 
cth  of  rest  on  earth,  "  Arise  ye,  and  depart,  for  this 
is  not  your  rest,  because  it  is  polluted."  These 
things  cannot,  in  their  nature,  be  a  true  Christian's 
rest.  They  are  too  poor  to  make  us  rich ;  too  low 
to  raise  us  to  happiness  ;  too  empty  to  fill  our  souls  ; 
and  of  too  short  a  continuance  to  be  our  eternal  con- 
lent.  If  prosperity,  and  whatsoever  we  here  desire, 
be  too  base  to  make  gods  of,  they  are  too  base  to  be 
our  rest.  The  soul's  rest  must  be  sufficient  to  af- 
ford it  perpetual  satisfaction.  But  the  content  which 
creatures  afford,  waxes  old,  and  abates  after  a  short 
enjoyment.    If  God  should  rain  down  angels'  food, 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  255 

we  should  soon  loathe  the  manna.  If  novelty  sup- 
port not,  our  delights  on  earth  grow  dull.  All  crea- 
tures are  to  us  as  the  flowers  to  the  bee ;  there  is 
but  little  honey  on  any  one,  and  therefore  there  must 
be  a  superficial  taste,  and  so  to  the  next.  The  more 
the  creature  is  known,  the  less  it  satisfieth.  Those 
only  are  taken  with  it,  who  see  no  farther  than  its 
outward  beauty,  without  discerning  its  inward  van- 
ity. When  we  thoroughly  know  the  condition  of 
other  men,  and  have  discovered  the  evil  as  well  as 
the  good,  and  the  defects  as  well  as  the  perfections, 
we  then  cease  our  admiration. 

6.  To  have  creatures  and  means  without  God,  is 
an  aggravation  of  our  misery.  If  God  should  say, 
"  Take  my  creatures,  my  word,  my  servants,  my 
ordinances,  but  not  myself,"  would  you  take  this  for 
happiness  ?  If  you  had  the  Avord  of  God,  and  not 
"  the  Word,"  which  is  God  ;  or  the  bread  of  the 
Lord,  and  not  the  Lord,  which  "  is  the  true  bread ;" 
or  could  cry  with  the  Jews,  "  The  temple  of  the 
Lord,"  and  had  not  the  Lord  of  the  temple ;  this 
were  a  poor  happiness.  Was  Capernaum  the  more 
happy,  or  the  more  miserable,  for  seeing  the  mighty 
works  which  they  had  seen,  and  hearing  the  words 
of  Christ  which  they  did  hear  ?  Surely  that  which 
aggravates  our  sin  and  misery  cannot  be  our  rest. 

7.  To  confirm  all  this,  let  us  consult  our  oami  and 
others'  experience.  Millions  have  made  trial,  but 
did  any  ever  find  a  sufficient  rest  for  his  soul  on 


256 

earth  ?  Delights  I  deny  not  but  they  have  found, 
but  rest  and  satisfaction  they  never  found.    And  shah 
we  think  to  find  that  which  never  man  could  find 
before  us  ?  Ahab's  kingdom  is  nothing  to  him  whh- 
out  Naboth's  vineyard;    and  did  that  satisfy  him 
when  he  obtained  it  1  Were  you,  like  Noah's  dove, 
to  look  through  the  earth  for  a  resting-place,  you 
would  return  confessing  that  you  could  find  none. 
Go  ask  honor,  Is  there  rest  here  ?  You  may  as  well 
rest  on  the   top  of  tempestuous  mountains,  or  in 
Etna's  flames.    Ask  riches,  Is  there   rest   here  ? 
Even  such  as  is  in  a  bed  of  thorns.     If  you  inquire 
for  rest  of  worldly  pleasure,  it  is  such  as  the  fish 
halh  in  swallowing  the  bait ;  when  the  pleasure  is 
sweetest,  death  is  nearest.    Go  to  learning,  and  even 
to    divine   ordinances,  and   inquire   whether  there 
^rour  souls  may  rest.     You  might  indeed  receive 
from  these  an  olive  branch  of  hope,  as  they  are 
means  to  your  rest,  and  have  relation  to  eternity ; 
but,  in  regard  of  any  satisfaction  in  themselves,  you 
would  remain  as  restless  as  ever.    How  well  mi^ht 
all  these  answer  us,  as  Jacob  did  Rachel,  "  Am  I  in 
God's  stead,"  that  you  come  to  me  for  soul-iTst  ? 
Not  all  the  states  of  men  in  the  world;  neither  court 
nor  country,  towns  nor  cities,  shops  nor  fields,  trea- 
sures, libraries,  solitude,  society,  studies,  nor  pulpits, 
can  afford  any  such  thing  as  this  rest.     If  you  could 
inquire  of  the  dead  of  all  generations,  or  of  the  living 
through  all    dominions,  they  would   all    tell  vou, 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  257 

'*  Here  is  no  rest."  Or,  if  other  men's  ttiperience 
move  you  not,  take  a  view  of  your  own.  Can  you 
remember  the  state  that  did  fully  satisfy  you  ?  or,  if 
you  could,  will  it  prove  lasting  ?  I  believe  we  may 
all  say  of  our  earthly  rest,  as  Paul  of  our  hope,  "  If 
ft  were  in  this  life  only,  we  are  of  all  men  the  most 
miserable." 

If,  then,  either  Scripture  or  reason,  or  the  expe- 
rience of  ourselves  and  all  the  world,  will  convince 
us,  we  may  see  there  is  no  resting-  here.  And  yet 
how  guilty  are  the  generality  of  us  of  this  sin  ! 
How  many  halts  and  stops  do  we  make,  before  we 
will  make  the  Lord  our  rest !  How  must  God  even 
drive  us,  and  fire  us  out  of  every  condition,  lest  we 
should  sit  down  and  rest  there  !  If  he  gives  us  pros- 
perity, riches,  or  honor,  we  do  in  our  hearts  dance 
before  them,  as  the  Israelites  before  their  calf,  and 
say,  "  These  are  thy  gods ;"  and  conclude,  "  it  is 
good  to  be  here."  If  he  imbitter  all  these  to  us, 
how  restless  are  we  till  our  condition  be  sweetened, 
that  we  may  sit  down  again  and  rest  where  Ave 
were !  If  he  proceed  in  the  cure,  and  take  the  crea- 
ture quite  away,  then  we  labor,  and  cry,  and  pray 
that  God  would  restore  it,  that  we  may  make  it  our 
rest  again  !  And  while  we  are  deprived  of  our  for- 
mer idol,  yet,  rather  than  come  to  God,  we  delight 
ourselves  in  the  hope  of  recovering  it,  and  make 
that  very  hope  our  rest,  or  search  about  from  creature 
to  creature,  to  find  out  something  to  supply  the  roon  • 

s.   R.  22* 


258  THE  saints'   rest 

yea,  if  wc  can  find  no  supply,  yet  we  will  rather 
settle  in  this  misery,  and  make  a  rest  of  a  wretched 
being",  than  leave  all  and  come  to  God.  O  the  curs- 
ed averseness  of  our  souls  from  God  !  If  any  place 
in  hell  were  tolerable,  the  soul  would  rather  take  up 
its  rest  there  than  come  to  God.  Yea,  when  he  is 
bringing  us  over  to  him,  and  hath  convinced  us  of 
the  worth  of  his  ways  and  service,  the  last  deceit  of 
all  is  here ;  we  vv'ill  rather  settle  upon  those  ways 
that  lead  to  him,  and  those  ordinances  that  speak  of 
him,  and  those  gifts  which  flow  from  him,  than 
come  entirely  over  to  himself  Christians,  marvel  not 
that  I  speak  so  much  of  resting  in  these ;  beware, 
lest  it  prove  thy  own  case.  I  suppose  thou  art  so 
far  convinced  of  the  vanity  of  riches,  honor,  and 
pleasure,  that  thou  canst  more  easily  disclaim  these  ; 
and  it  is  well  if  it  be  so  ;  but  the  means  of  grace  thou 
lookest  on  with  less  suspicion,  and  thinkest  thou 
canst  not  delight  in  them  too  much,  especially  see- 
ing most  of  the  world  despise  them,  or  delight  in  them 
too  little.  I  know  they  must  be  loved  and  valued ;  and 
he  that  delighteth  in  any  worldly  thing  more  than  in 
them,  is  not  a  Christian.  But  when  we  are  content 
with  ordinances  without  God,  and  had  rather  be  at  a 
sermon  than  in  heaven,  and  a  member  of  the  church 
hero  than  of  the  perfect  church  above,  this  is  a  sad  mis- 
take. So  far  let  thy  soul  take  comfort  in  ordinances, 
as  God  doth  accompany  them ;  remembering,  this  is 
not  heaven,  but  the  first-fruits.    "While  we  are  pre 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  259 

sent  in  the  tody,  we  are  absent  from  the  Lord ;"  and 
while  we  are  absent  from  him,  we  are  absent  from 
our  rest.  If  God  were  as  willing  to  be  absent  from 
us  as  we  from  him,  and  as  loth  to  be  our  rest  as  we 
lO  rest  in  him,  we  should  be  left  to  an  eternal  restless 
separation.  In  a  word,  as  you  are  sensible  of  the  sin- 
fulness of  your  earthly  discontents,  so  be  you  also  of 
your  irregular  satisfaction,  and  pray  God  to  pardon 
them  much  more.  And,  above  all  the  plagues  on  this 
side  hell,  see  that  you  watch  and  pray  against  set- 
tling any  where  short  of  heaven,  or  reposing  your 
souls  on  any  thing  below  God.  — 

Thirdly.  The  next  thing  to  be  considered,  is  our 
unreasonable  umoilling7iess  to  die,  that  ice  may  pos- 
sess the  saints^  rest.  We  linger,  like  Lot  in  Sodom, 
till  "  the  Lord,  being  merciful  unto  us,"  doth  pluck 
us  away  against  our  will.  I  confess  that  death,  of 
itself,  is  not  desirable ;  but  the  soul's  rest  with  God 
is,  to  which  death  is  the  common  passage.  Be- 
cause we  are  apt  to  make  light  of  this  sin,  let  me 
set  before  you  its  nature  and  remedy,  in  a  variety  of 
considerations ;  as,  for  instance,  it  has  in  it  much 
infidelity.  If  we  did  not  verily  believe  that  the 
promise  of  this  glory  is  the  word  of  God,  and  that 
God  doth  truly  mean  as  he  speaks,  and  is  fully  re- 
solved to  make  it  good ;  if  we  did  verily  believe 
that  there  is  indeed  such  blessedness  prepared  for 
believers,  surely  we  should  be  as  impatient  of  liv- 
ing as   we  are  now  fearful  of  dying,  and  should 


260  THE    SAINTS'     REST 

think  every  day  a  year  till  our  last  day  should  come. 
Is  it  possible  that  we  can  truly  believe  that  deatli 
will  remove  us  from  misery  to  such  glory,  and  yet 
be  loth  to  die  ?  If  the  doubts  of  our  own  interest  in 
that  glory  make  us  fear,  yet  a  true  belief  of  the 
certainty  and  excellency  of  this  rest  would  make  us 
restless  till  our  title  to  it  be  cleared.  Though  there 
is  much  faith  and  Christianity  in  our  mouths,  yet 
there  is  much  infidelity  and  paganism  in  our  hearts, 
which  is  the  chief  cause  that  we  are  so  loth  to  die. 
It  is  also  much  owing  to  the  coldness  of  our  love. 
If  we  love  our  friend,  we  love  his  company ;  his 
presence  is  comfortable,  his  absence  is  painful  ; 
when  he  comes  to  us,  we  entertain  him  with  glad- 
ness ;  when  he  dies,  we  mourn,  and  usually  over- 
mourn.  To  be  separated  from  a  faithful  friend,  is  like 
the  rending  a  member  from  our  body.  And  would  not 
our  desires  after  God  be  such,  if  we  really  loved 
him  ?  Nay,  should  it  not  be  much  more  than  such, 
as  he  is,  above  all  friends,  most  lovely  ?  May  the 
Lord  teach  us  to  look  closely  to  our  hearts,  and 
take  heed  of  self-deceit  in  this  point !  Whatever  we 
pretend,  if  we  love  either  father,  mother,  hus- 
band, wife,  child,  friend,  wealth,  or  life  itself, 
more  than  Christ,  we  are  yet  "  none  of  his  "  sincere 
"  disciples."  When  it  comes  to  the  trial,  the  question 
will  not  be.  Who  hath  preached  most,  or  heard  most, 
or  talked  most  ?  but,  Who  hath  loved  most  ?  Christ 
vviU  not  take  sermons,  prayers,  fastings  ;  no,  nor  the 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  261 

"giving  our  goods,"  nor  the  "burning  our  bodies," 
instead  of  love.  And  do  we  love  him,  and  yet  care 
not  how  long  we  are  from  him  ?  Was  it  such  a  joy 
to  Jacob  to  see  the  face  of  Joseph  in  Egypt  ?  and 
shall  we  be  contented  without  the  sight  of  Christ  in 
glory,  and  yet  say  we  love  him  ?  I  dare  not  con- 
clude that  we  have  no  love  at  all,  when  we  are  so 
loth  to  die;  but  I  dare  say,  were  our  love  more, 
we  should  die  more  willingl)?-.  If  this  holy  flame 
were  thoroughly  kindled  in  our  breasts,  we  should 
cry  out  with  David,  "  As  the  hart  panteth  after  the 
water-brooks,  so  panteth  my  soul  after  thee,  O  God  ! 
My  soul  thirsteth  for  God,  for  the  living  God; 
when  shall  I  come  and  appear  before  God  ?"  By 
our  unwillingness  to  die,  it  appears  we  are  little 
weary  of  sin.  Did  w^e  take  sin  for  the  greatest 
evil,  we  should  not  be  willing  to  have  its  company 
so  long.  "  O  foolish,  sinful  heart  !  hast  thou  been 
so  long  a  cage  of  all  unclean  lusts,  a  fountain  in- 
cessantly streaming  forth  the  bitter  waters  of  trans- 
gression, and  art  thou  not  yet  weary?  Wretched 
soul !  hast  thou  been  so  long  wounded  in  all  thy 
faculties,  so  grievously  languishing  in  all  thy  per- 
formances, so  fruitful  a  soil  of  all  iniquities,  and  art 
thou  not  yet  more  weary  ?  Wouldst  thou  still  lie 
under  thy  imperfections  ?  Hath  thy  sin  proved  so 
profitable  a  commodity,  so  necessary  a  companion, 
such  a  delightful  employment,  that  thou  dost  so 
much  dread  the  parting  day  ?  May  not  God  justly 


2G2  - 

grant  thee  thy  wishes,  and  seal  thee  a  lease  of  thy 
desired  distance  from  him,  and  nail  thy  ears  to  these 
doors  of  misery,  and  exclude  thee  eternally  from  his 
glory  ?"  It  shows  that  we  are  insensible  of  the  vanity 
of  the  creature,  when  we  are  so  loth  to  hear  or  think 
of  a  removal.  "  Ah,  foolish,  wretched  soul !  doili 
every  prisoner  groan  for  freedom  ?  and  every  slave 
desire  his  jubilee  ?  and  every  sick  man  long  for 
health  ?  and  every  hungry  man  for  food  ?  and  dost 
thou  alone  abhor  deliverance  ?  Doth  the  sailor  wish 
to  see  land  ?  Doth  the  husbandman  desire  the  har- 
vest, and  the  laborer  to  receive  his  pay  ?  Doth  the 
traveler  long  to  be  at  home,  and  the  racer  to  win 
the  prize,  and  the  soldier  to  win  the  field  1  and  art 
thou  loth  to  see  thy  labors  finished,  and  to  receive 
the  end  of  thy  faith  and  sufferings  ?  Have  thy 
griefs  been  only  dreams  ?  If  they  were,  yet  methinks 
thou  shouldst  not  be  afraid  of  waking.  Or  is  it  not 
rather  the  world's  delights  that  are  all  mere  dreams 
and  shadows  ?  Or  is  the  world  become  of  late  more 
kind  ?  We  may  at  our  peril  reconcile  ourselves  to 
the  world,  but  it  will  never  reconcile  itself  to  us. 
O  unworthy  soul !  who  hadst  rather  dwell  in  this 
land  of  darkness,  and  wander  in  this  barren  wil- 
derness, than  be  at  rest  with  Jesus  Christ!  who 
hadst  rather  stay  among  the  wolves,  and  daily  suf- 
fer the  scorpion's  stings,  than  praise  the  Lord  with 
the  host  of  heaven." 

This  unwillingness  to  die  doth  actually  impeach 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  263 

US  of  high  treason  against  the  Lord.  Is  it  not  choos* 
in^  of  earth  before  him,  and  taking  of  present  things 
for  our  happiness,  and  consequently  making  them 
our  very  god?  If  we  did  indeed  make  God  our  end, 
our  rest,  our  portion,  our  treasure,  how  is  it  possible 
but  we  should  desire  to  enjoy  him  ?  It,  moreover, 
discovers  some  dissimulation.  Would  you  have  any 
man  believe  you,  when  you  call  the  Lord  your  only 
hope,  and  speak  of  Christ  as  all  in  all,  and  of  the 
joy  that  is  in  his  presence,  and  yet  would  endure 
the  hardest  life,  rather  than  die,  and  enter  into  his 
presence  ?  What  self-contradiction  is  this,  to  talk  so 
hardly  of  the  world  and  the  flesh,  to  groan  and  com- 
plain of  sin  and  suffering,  and  yet  fear  no  day  more 
than  that  we  expect  should  bring  our  final  freedom  ! 
What  hypocrisy  is  this  to  profess  to  strive  and  fight 
for  heaven,  which  we  are  loth  to  come  to  !  and  spend 
one  hour  after  another  in  prayer  for  that  which  we 
would  not  have  !  Hereby  we  wrong  the  Lord  and 
his  promises,  and  disgrace  his  ways  in  the  eyes  of 
the  world :  as  if  we  Avould  persuade  them  to  ques- 
tion whether  God  be  true  to  his  word  or  not ;  whe- 
ther there  be  any  such  glory  as  the  Scripture  men- 
tions. When  they  see  those  so  loth  to  leave  their 
hold  of  present  things,  who  have  professed  to  live  by 
faith,  and  have  boasted  of  their  hopes  in  another 
world,  and  spoken  disgracefully  of  all  things  be- 
low, in  comparison  of  things  above,  how  doth  this 
confirm  the  world  in  their  unbelief  and  sensuality! 


264  THE  saints'  rest 

"Sure,'  say  they,  "if  these  professors  did  expect 
so  much  glory,  and  make  so  light  of  the  world  as 
they  seem,  they  would  not  themselves  be  so  loth  to 
change."  O  how  are  we  ever  able  to  repair  the 
wrong  which  we  do  to  God  and  souls  by  this  scan- 
dal 1  And  what  an  honor  to  God,  what  a  strength- 
ening to  believers,  what  a  conviction  to  unbelievers 
would  it  be,  if  Christians  in  this  did  answer  their 
profession,  and  cheerfully  welcome  the  news  of  rest ! 
It  also  eiidently  shows  that  we  have  spent  much 
time  to  little  purpose.  Have  we  not  had  all  our  life- 
time to  prepare  to  die ;  so  many  years  to  make  rea- 
dy for  one  hour ;  and  are  we  so  unready  and  un- 
willing yet  1  What  have  we  done  ?  Why  have  we 
lived?  Had  w^e  any  greater  matters  to  mind? 
Would  we  have  wished  for  more  frequent  warnings  ? 
How  oft  hath  death  entered  the  habitations  of  our 
neighbors  !  How  often  hath  it  knocked  at  our  own 
door !  How  many  distempers  have  vexed  our  bodies, 
that  we  have  been  forced  to  receive  the  sentence  of 
death  !  And  are  we  unready  and  unwilling  after  all 
this  ?  O  careless,  dead-hearted  sinners !  unAVorthy 
neglectors  of  God's  warnings !  faithless  betrayers  of 
our  OAMi  souls ! 

Consider,  not  to  die  is  never  to  be  happy.  To 
escape  death  is  to  miss  of  blessedness,  except  God 
should  translate  us,  as  Enoch  and  Elijah,  which  he 
never  did  before  or  since.  "  If  in  this  life  only  we 
have  hope  in  Christ,  we  are  of  all  men  most  mise- 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  265 

table."  If  you  would  not  die,  and  go  to  heaven,  what 
would  you  have  more  than  an  epicure  or  a  beast? 
Why  do  we  pray,  and  fast,  and  mourn ;  why  do  we 
suffer  the  contempt  of  the  world ;  why  are  we  Chris- 
tians, and  not  pagans  and  infidels,  if  we  do  not  desire 
a  life  to  come  ?  Wouldst  thou  lose  thy  faith  and  la* 
bor.  Christian ;  all  thy  duties  and  sufferings,  all  the 
end  of  thy  life,  and  all  the  blood  of  Christ,  and  be 
contented  with  the  portion  of  a  Avorldling  or  a  brute? 
Rather  say,  as  one  did  on  his  death-bed,  when  he 
Avas  asked  whether  he  was  willing  to  die  or  not, 
"  Let  him  be  loth  to  die  who  is  loth  to  be  with 
Christ."  Is  God  willing  by  death  to  glorify  us,<ind 
are  we  unwilling  to  die,  that  we  may  be  glorified  ? 
Mcthinks,  if  a  prince  were  willing  to  make  you  his 
heir,  you  would  scarce  be  unwilling  to  accept  it ; 
the  refusing  such  a  kindness  would  discover  ingra- 
titude and  unworthiness.  As  God  hath  resolved 
against  them  who  make  excuses  when  they  should 
come  to  Christ,  "  None  of  those  men,  who  were  bid- 
den, shall  taste  of  my  supper ;"  so  it  is  just  with  him 
to  resolve  against  us,  who  frame  excuses  when  we 
should  come  to  glory.  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  was 
willing  to  come  from  heaven  to  earth  for  us,  and  shall 
we  be  unwilling  to  remove  from  earth  to  heaven  for 
ourselves  and  him  ?  He  might  have  said,  "  What  is 
it  to  me  if  these  sinners  suffer  ?  If  they  value  their 
flesh  above  their  spirits,  and  their  lusts  above  my 
Father's  love;  if  they  will  sell  their  souls  for  naught, 
s.   R.  23 


2GG  THE  saints'   rest 

who  is  it  fit  should  be  the  loser  ?  Should  I,  whom 
they  have  wronged  1  Must  they  willfully  transgress 
my  law,  and  I  undergo  their  deserved  pain?  Must 
1  come  down  from  heaven  to  earth,  and  clothe  my- 
self with  human  flesh,  be  spit  upon  and  scorned  by 
man,  and  fast,  and  weep,  and  sweat,  and  suffer,  and 
bleed,  and  die  a  cursed  death ;  and  all  this  for  wretch- 
ed worms,  who  would  rather  hazard  their  souls  than 
forbear  one  forbidden  morsel  ?  Do  they  cast  away 
themselves  so  slightly,  and  must  I  redeem  them  so 
dearly  ?"  Thus  we  see  Christ  had  reason  enough 
to  have  made  him  unwilling  ;  and  yet  did  he  volun- 
tarily condescend.  But  we  have  no  reason  against 
our  coming  to  him  ;  except  we  will  reason  against 
our  hopes,  and  plead  for  a  perpetuity  of  our  own 
calamities.  Christ  came  down  to  fetch  us  up  ;  and 
would  we  have  him  lose  his  blood  and  labor,  and  go 
again  without  us  1  Hath  he  bought  our  rest  at  so 
dear  a  rate  ?  Is  our  inheritance  "  purchased  with  his 
blood?"  And  are  we,  after  all  this,  loth  to  enter? 
Ah,  sirs  !  it  was  Christ,  and  not  we,  that  had  cause 
to  be  loth.  May  the  Lord  forgive,  and  heal  this 
foolish  ingratitude ! 

Do  we  not  combine  with  our  most  cruel  foes  in 
their  most  malicious  designs,  while  we  are  loth  to 
die,  and  go  to  heaven  ?  What  is  the  devil's  daily 
business  ?  Is  it  not  to  keep  our  souls  from  God  ? 
And  shall  we  be  content  with  this  ?  Is  it  not  the 
one  half  of  hell  which  we  wish  to  ourselves,  while 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  267 

we  desire  to  be  absent  from  heaven  ?  What  sport  is 
this  to  Satan,  that  his  desires  and  thine,  Christian, 
should  so  concur !  that,  when  he  sees  he  cannot  get 
thee  to  hell,  he  can  so  long  keep  thee  out  of  heaven, 
and  make  thee  the  earnest  petitioner  for  it  thj^self !  O 
gratify  not  the  devil  so  much  to  thy  own  injury  !   Do 
not  our  daily  fears  of  death  make  our  lives  a  continual 
torment?  Those  lives  which  might  be  full  of  joy,  in 
the  daily  contemplations  of  the  life  to  come,  and  the 
sweet,  delightful  thoughts  of  bliss ;  how  do  we  fill 
them  up  with  causeless  terrors  !  Thus  we  consume 
our  own  comforts,  and  prey  upon  our  truest  plea- 
sures.    When  we  might  lie  down,  and  rise  up,  and 
walk  abroad,  with  oar  hearts  full  of  the  joys  of  God, 
we  continually  fill  them  with  perplexing  fears.  For 
he  that  fears  dying,  must  be  always  fearing ;  because 
he  hath  ahvays  reason  to  expect  it.     And  how  can 
that  man's  life  be  comfortable,  who  lives  in  conti- 
nual fear  of  losing  his  comforts  ?    Are  not  these 
fears  of  death  self-created  sufferings  ?  as  if  God  had 
not  inflicted  enough  upon  us,  but  we  must  inflict 
more  upon  ourselves.     Is  not  death  bitter  enough 
to  the  flesh  of  itself,  but  we  must  double  and  treble 
its  bitterness  ?  The  sufferings  laid  upon  us  by  God 
do  all  lead  to  happy  issues ;  the  progress  is  from 
tribulation  to  patience,  from  thence  to  experience, 
and  so  to  hope,  and  at  last  to  glory.    But  the  suffer- 
ings we  make  for  ourselves  are  circular  and  endless, 
from  sin  to  suffering,  from  suffering  to  sin,  and  so  to 


2G8  THE  saints'  rest 

suffering  again ;  and  not  only  so,  Imt  they  multiply 
in  their  course ;  every  sin  is  greater  than  the  former, 
and  so  every  suffering  also  :  so  that,  except  we  think 
God  hath  made  us  to  be  our  own  tormentors,  we 
have  small  reason  to  nourish  our  fears  of  death. 
And  are  they  not  useless,  unprofitable  fears  ?  As  all 
our  care  "  cannot  make  one  hair  white  or  black,  nor 
add  one  cubit  to  our  stature,"  so  neither  can  our 
fear  prevent  our  sufferings,  nor  delay  our  death  one 
hour :  willing  or  unwilling,  we  must  away.  Many 
a  man's  fears  have  hastened  his  end,  but  no  man's 
did  ever  avert  it.  It  is  true,  a  cautious  fear  concern- 
ing the  danger  after  death  hath  profited  many,  and 
is  very  useful  to  the  preventing  of  that  danger ;  but 
for  a  member  of  Christ,  and  an  heir  of  heaven,  to 
be  afraid  of  entering  his  own  inheritance,  is  a  sin- 
ful, useless  fear.  And  do  not  our  fears  of  dying 
insnare  our  souls,  and  add  strength  to  many  temp 
tations  ?  What  made  Peter  deny  his  Lord  ?  What 
makes  apostates  in  suffering  times  forsake  the  truth  ? 
Why  does  the  green  blade  of  unrooted  faith  wither 
before  the  heat  of  persecution  ?  Fear  of  imprison- 
ment and  poverty  may  do  much,  but  fear  of  death 
will  do  much  more.  So  much  fear  as  we  have  of 
death,  so  much  cowardice  we  usually  have  in  the 
cause  of  God ;  beside  the  multitude  of  unbelieving 
contrivances,  and  discontents  at  the  wise  disposal  of 
God,  and  hard  thoughts  of  most  of  his  providences, 
0^  which  this  sin  makes  us  S"ui]tv. 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH,  269 

Let  us  farther  consider  what  a  competent  time 
most  of  us  have  had.     Why  should  not  a  man,  that 
would  die  at  all,  be  as  willing  at  thirty  or  forty,  if 
God  see  fit,  as  at  seventy  or  eighty  ?  Length  of  time 
does  not  conquer  corruption ;  it  never  withers  nor 
decays  through  age.     Except  we  receive  an  addi- 
tion of  grace  as  well  as  time,  we  naturally  grow 
Avorse.     "  O  my  soul,  depart  in  peace  !    As  thou 
wouldst  not  desire  an  unlimited  state  in  wealth  and 
honor,  so  desire  it  not  in  point  of  tim-e.    If  thou  wast 
sensible  how  little  thou  deservest  an  hour  of  that 
patience  which   thou   hast  enjoyed,   thou    wouldst 
think  thou  hadst  had  a  large  part.     Is  it  not  divine 
wisdom  that  sets  the  bounds  ?  God  will  honor  him- 
self by  various  persons  and  several  ages,  and  not  by 
one  person  or  age.    Seeing  thou  hast  acted  thy  own 
part,  and  finished  thy  appointed  course,  come  down 
contentedly,  that  others  may  succeed,  who  must  have 
their  turns  as  well  as  thyself  Much  time  hath  much 
duty :  beg  therefore  for  grace  to  improve  it  better ; 
but  be  content  with  thy  share  of  time.     Thou  hast 
also  had  a  competency  of  the  comforts  of  life.    God 
might  have  made  thy  life  a  burden,  till  thou  hadst 
been  as  weary  of  possessing  it  as  thou  art  now 
afraid  of  losing  it.     He  might  have  suffered  thee  to 
have  consumed  thy  days  in  ignorance,  without  the 
true  knowledge  of  Christ :   but  he  hath  opened  thy 
eyes  in  the  morning  of  thy  days,  and  acquainted 
thee  betimes  with  the  business  of  thy  life.     Hath 
s.  R.  23* 


270  '  THE    SAINTS     REST 

thy  heavenly  Father  caused  thy  lot  to  fall  in  Eu- 
rope, not  in  Asia  or  Africa;  in  England,  not  in 
Spain  or  Italy  ?  Hath  he  filled  up  all  thy  life  with 
mercies,  and  dost  thou  now  think  thy  share  too 
small?  What  a  multitude  of  hours  of  consolation, 
of  delightful  Sabbaths,  of  pleasant  studies,  of  pre- 
cious companions,  of  wonderful  deliverances,  of  ex- 
cellent opportunities,  of  fruitful  labors,  of  joyful  tid- 
ings, of  sweet  experiences,  of  astonishing  provi- 
dences, hath  thy  life  partaken  of!  Hath  thy  life 
been  so  sweet  that  thou  art  loth  to  leave  it  ?  Is  this 
thy  thanks  to  Him,  who  is  thus  drawing  thee  to  his 
own  sweetness?  O  foolish  soul !  would  thou  wast 
as  covetous  after  eternity  as  thou  art  for  a  fading, 
perishing  life  !  and  after  the  presence  of  God  in  glo- 
ry, as  thou  art  for  continuance  on  earth  !  Then  thou 
wouldst  cry,  "  Why  is  his  chariot  so  long  in  com- 
ing? Why  tarry  the  wheels  of  his  chariot?"  How 
long.  Lord  ?  How  long  ?  What  if  God  should  let 
thee  live  many  years,  but  deny  thee  the  mercies 
which  thou  hast  hitherto  enjoyed?  Might  he  not 
give  thee  life,  as  he  gave  the  murmuring  Israelites 
quails?  He  might  give  thee  life  till  thou  art  weary 
of  living,  and  as  glad  to  be  rid  of  it  as  Judas  or  Ahi- 
thophel ;  and  make  thee  like  many  miserable  crea- 
tures in  the  world,  who  can  hardly  forbear  laying 
violent  hands  on  themselves.  Be  not  therefore  so 
importunate  for  life,  which  may  prove  a  judgment 
instead  of  a  blessing.     How  many  of  the  precious 


IS    NOT    ON    EARTH.  271 

servants  of  God,  of  all  ages  and  places,  have  gone 
before  thee !  Thou  art  not  to  enter  an  untrodden 
path,  nor  appointed  first  to  break  the  ice.  Except 
Enoch  and  Elijah,  which  of  the  saints  have  escaped 
death  ?  And  art  thou  better  than  they  ?  There  are 
many  millions  of  saints  dead,  more  than  now  re- 
main on  earth.  What  a  number  of  thine  own  bo- 
som friends,  and  companions  in  duty,  are  now  gone, 
and  why  shouldst  thou  be  so  loth  t  d  follow  ?  Nay, 
hath  not  Jesus  Christ  himself  gone  this  way  ?  Hath 
he  not  sanctified  the  grave  to  us,  and  perfumed  the 
dust  with  his  own  body,  and  art  thou  loth  to  follow 
him  too  ?  Rather  say  as  Thomas,  "  Let  us  also  go, 
that  we  may  die  with  him." 

If  what  has  been  said  will  not  persuade,  Scripture 
and  reason  have  little  force.  And  I  have  said  the 
more  on  this  subject,  finding  it  so  needful  to  myself 
and  others ;  finding  among  so  many  Christians,  who 
could  do  and  suffer  much  for  Christ,  so  few  that  can 
willingly  die ;  and  of  many,  who  have  somewhat 
subdued  other  corruptions,  so  few  that  have  gotten 
the  conquest  of  this.  I  persuade  not  the  ungodly 
from  fearing  death :  it  is  ^  wonder  that  they  fear  it 
no  more,  and  spend  not  their  days  in  continual 
horror. 


272    ~  IMPORTANCE  OF  A  HEAVENLY 


CHAPTER  XI. 


THE   IMPORTANCE    OF    LEADING   A    HEAVENLY    LIFE   UPON    EARTH. 

The  reasonableness  of  delighting  in  the  thoughts  of  the  saints' 
rest.  Christians  exhorted  to  it,  by  considering,  1,  It  vnll 
evidence  their  sincere  piety  ;  2.  It  is  the  highest  excellence  of 
the  Christian  temper ;  3.  It  leads  to  the  most  comfortable  life  ; 
4.  It  will  be  the  best  preservative  from  temptations  to  sin ;  5. 
It  will  invigorate  their  graces  and  duties;  6.  It  will  be  their 
best  cordial  in  afflictions ;  7.  It  u'ill  render  them  most  profila- 
hle  to  others ;  8.  It  will  honor  God ;  9.  Without  it  we  disobey 
the  commands,  and  lose  the  most  gracious  and  delightful  disco- 
veries of  the  word  of  God.  10.  It  is  fJie  more  reasonable  to 
have  our  hearts  with  God,  as  his  is  much  on  us;  and,  11.  in 
heaven,  where  we  have  so  much  interest  and  relation ;  12. 
Besides,  there  is  nothing  hut  heaven  vwrlh  setting  our  hearts 
upon. 

1.  Is  there  such  a  rest  remaining'  for  us?  Why, 
then,  are  not  our  thoughts  more  upon  it  ?  Why  are 
not  our  hearts  continually  there  ?  Why  dwell  we 
not  there  in  constant  contemplation  ?  What  is  the 
cause  of  this  neglect  ?  Are  we  reasonable  in  this,  or 
are  we  not  ?  Hath  the  eternal  God  provided  us  such 
a  glory,  and  promised  to  take  us  up  to  dwell  with 
himself?  and  is  not  this  worth  thinking  on  ?  Should 
not  the  strongest  desires  of  our  hearts  be  after  it  ? 
Do  we  believe  this,  and  yet  forget  and  neglect  it  ? 
If  God  will  not  give  us  leave  to  approach  this  light 


LIFE   UPON    EARTH.  273 

what  mean  all  his  earnest  invitations  ?  Why  doth 
he  so  condemn  our  earthly-mindedness,  and  com- 
mand us  to  set  our  affections  on  things  above  ?  Ah, 
vile  hearts  !  If  God  were  against  it,  we  were  like- 
lier to  be  for  it ;  but  when  he  commands  our  hearts 
to  heaven,  then  they  will  not  stir  one  inch  :  like  our 
predecessors,  the  sinful  Israelites,  when  God  would 
have  them  march  for  Canaan,  then  they  mutiny, 
and  will  not  stir;  but  when  God  bids  them  not 
go,  then  will  they  be  presently  marching.  If  God 
say,  "  Love  not  the  world,  nor  the  things  of  the 
world,"  we  dote  upon  it.  How  freely,  how  fre- 
quently can  we  think  of  our  pleasures,  our  friends, 
our  labors,  our  flesh,  and  its  lusts  !  yea,  our  wrongs 
and  miseries,  our  fears  and  sufferings  !  But  Avhere 
is  the  Christian  whose  heart  is  on  his  rest  ?  What 
is  the  matter  ?  Are  we  so  full  of  joy  that  we  need 
no  more  ?  Or  is  there  nothing  in  heaven  for  our 
joyous  thoughts  ?  Or  rather,  are  not  our  hearts  car- 
nal and  stupid  ?  Let  us  humble  these  sensual  hearts, 
that  have  in  them  no  more  of  Christ  and  glory.  If 
this  world  was  the  only  subject  of  our  discourse,  all 
would  call  us  ungodly  ;  why,  then,  may  we  not  call 
our  hearts  ungodly,  that  have  so  little  delight  in 
Christ  and  heaven  ? 

But  I  am  speaking  only  to  those  whose  portion 
is  in  heaven,  whose  hopes  are  there,  and  who  have 
forsaken  all  to  enjoy  this  glory ;  and  shall  I  be  dis- 
couraged from    persuading    such  to  be  heavenly- 


274  niPORTAN'CE    OF    A    IIEAVKXLT 

minded  ?  Fellow-Christians,  if  you  will  not  hear 
and  obey,  who  will?  Well  may  we  be  discouraged 
to  exhort  the  blind,  ungodly  w^orld,  and  may  say, 
as  Moses  did,  "  Behold,  the  children  of  Israel 
have  not  hearkened  unto  me ;  how  then  shall  Pha- 
raoh hear  me  ?"  I  require  thee,  reader,  as  ever  thou 
hopest  for  a  pan  in  this  glory,  that  thou  presently 
lake  thy  heart  to  task,  chide  it  for  its  willful  strange- 
ness to  God,  turn  thy  thoughts  from  the  pursuit  of 
vanit}^,  bend  thy  soul  to  study  eternity,  busy  it  about 
the  life  to  come,  habituate  thyself  to  such  contem- 
plations, and  let  not  those  thoughts  be  seldom  ami 
cursory,  but  bathe  thy  soul  in  heaven's  delights ; 
and  if  thy  backward  soul  begin  to  flag,  and  thy 
thoughts  to  scatter,  call  them  back,  hold  them  to  their 
work,  bear  not  with  their  laziness,  nor  connive  at 
one  neglect.  And  when  thou  hast,  in  obedience  to 
God,  tried  this  Avork,  got  acquainted  with  it,  and 
kept  a  guard  on  thy  thoughts  till  they  are  accus- 
tomed to  obey,  thou  wilt  then  find  thyself  in  the  sub- 
urbs of  heaven,  and  that  there  is,  indeed,  a  sweet- 
ness in  the  work  and  way  of  God,  and  that  the  life 
of  Christianity  is  a  life  of  joy.  Thou  wih  meet 
v>-ith  thosrv  abundant  consolations  which  thou  hast 
prayed,  panted,  and  groaned  after,  and  which  so  few 
Christians  do  ever  here  obtain,  because  they  know 
not  this  way  to  them,  or  else  make  not  conscience 
of  walking  in  it.  Say  not,  "  We  are  unable  to  set 
our  ov.'n  hearts  on  heaven;  this  must  be  the  work 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  275 

of  God  only."  Though  God  be  the  chief  disposer 
of  3^our  hearts,  yet,  next  I'nder  him,  you  have  the 
greatest  command  of  them  yourselves.  Though 
without  Christ  you  can  do  nothing,  yet  under  him 
you  may  do  much,  and  must,  or  else  it  will  be  un- 
done, and  yourselves  undone  through  your  neglect. 
Christians,  if  your  souls  were  healthful  and  vigor- 
ous, they  would  perceive  incomparably  more  delight 
and  sweetness  in  the  believing,  joyful  thoughts  of 
your  future  blessedness,  than  the  soundest  stomach 
finds  in  its  food,  or  the  strongest  senses  in  the  en- 
joyment of  their  objects  ;  so  little  painful  would 
this  work  be  to  you.  But  because  I  know,  while 
we  have  flesh  about  us,  and  any  remains  of  that 
"carnal  mind  which  is  enmity  to  God"  and  to  this 
noble  work,  that  all  motives  are  little  enough,  I  Avill 
here  lay  down  some  considerations,  which,  if  you 
will  deliberately  weigh  with  an  impartial  judgment, 
I  doubt  not  but  they  will  prove  effectual  with  your 
hearts,  and  make  you  resolve  on  this  excellent  du- 
ty. More  particularly  consider,  it  will  evidence 
your  sincere  piety ;  it  is  the  highest  excellence  of 
the  Christian  temper ;  it  is  the  way  to  live  most 
comfortably ;  it  Avill  be  the  best  preservative  from 
temptations  to  sin ;  it  will  enliven  your  graces  and 
duties ;  it  will  be  your  best  cordial  in  all  afflictions  ; 
it  will  render  you  most  profitable  to  others  ;  it  will 
honor  God :  without  it  you  will  disobey  the  com- 
mands, and  lose  the  most  gracious  and  delightful 


27G      IMPORTANCi:  OF  A  HEAVENLY 

discoveries  of  the  word  of  God:  it  is  also  the  more 
reasonable  to  have  your  hearts  with  God,  as  his  is 
so  much  on  you  ;  and  in  heaven,  where  you  have  so 
much  interest  and  relation;  besides,  there  is  no- 
thing but  heaven  worth  setting  your  hearts  upon. 

1.  Consider,  a  heart  set  upon  heaven  will  be  one 
of  the  most  unquestionable  evidences  of  your  since' 
tity,  and  a  clear  discovery  of  a  true  work  of  saving 
grace  upon  your  souls.  You  are  often  asking, 
"  How  shall  we  know  that  we  are  truly  sanctified  ?" 
Here  you  have  a  sign  infallible  from  the  mouth  of 
Jesus  Christ  himself:  "  where  your  treasure  is,  there 
will  your  hearts  be  also."  God  is  the  saints'  trea- 
sure and  happiness  ;  heaven  is  the  place  where  they 
must  fully  enjoy  him.  A  heart,  therefore,  set  upon 
heaven,  is  a  heart  set  upon  God  ;  and  surely,  a  heart 
set  upon  God,  through  Christ,  is  the  truest  evidence 
of  saving  grace.  When  learning  will  be  no  proof  of 
grace  ;  when  knowledge,  duties,  gifts,  will  fail ;  when 
arguments  from  thy  tongue  or  hand  may  be  con- 
futed ;  yet  then  will  this,  from  the  bent  of  thy  heart, 
prove  thee  sincere.  Take  a  poor  Christian,  of  a 
weak  understanding,  a  feeble  memory,  a  stammering 
tongue ;  yet  his  heart  is  set  on  God,  he  hath  chosen 
him  for  his  portion,  his  thoughts  are  on  eternitj',  his 
desires  are  there ;  he  cries  out,  "  O  that  I  were 
there !"  He  takes  that  day  for  a  time  of  imprison- 
ment, in  which  he  hath  not  had  one  refreshing  view 
of  eternity.  I  had  ratlier  die  in  this  man's  condition, 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  277 

than  in  the  case  of  him  who  hath  the  most  eminent 
gifts,  and  is  most  admired  for  his  performances,  while 
his  heart  is  not  thus  taken  up  with  God.  The  man 
that  Christ  will  find  out  at  the  last  day,  and  con- 
demn for  want  of  a  "  wedding  garment,"  will  be  one 
that  wants  this  frame  of  heart,  The  question  will 
not  then  be,  How  much  have  you  kno\Mi,  or  pro- 
fessed,  or  talked?  but,  How  much  have  you  loved, 
and  where  was  your  heart?  Christians,  as  you 
would  have  a  proof  of  your  title  to  glory,  labor  to 
get  your  hearts  above.  If  sin  and  Satan  keep  not 
'  your  affections  from  thence,  they  will  never  be  able 
to  keep  away  your  persons. 

2.  A  heart  in  heaven  is  the  highest  excellence  of 
Christian  temper.  As  there  is  a  common  excellence, 
by  which  Christians  differ  from  the  Avorld,  so  there 
is  this  peculiar  dignity  of  spirit,  by  which  the  more 
excellent  differ  from  the  rest.  As  the  noblest  of  crea- 
tures, so  t^e  noblest  of  Christians,  are  they  whose 
faces  are  set  most  direct  for  heaven.  Such  a  hea- 
.venly  saint,  who  hath  been  wrapped  up  to  God  in 
his  contemplations,  and  is  newly  come  doAvn  from 
the  views  of  Christ,  what  discoveries  will  he  make 
of  those  superior  regions  !  how  high  and  sacred  is 
his  discourse !  enough  to  convince  an  understand- 
ing hearer  that  he  hath  seen  the  Lord,  and  that  no 
man  could  speak  such  words,  except  he  had  been 
with  God.  This,  this  is  the  noble  Christian.  The 
most  famous   mountains  and    trees  are  those  that 

s,  R.  24 


278      IMPORTANCE  OT  A  HEAVENLY 

reach  nearest  to  heaven ;  and  he  is  the  choicest 
Christian  whose  heart  is  most  frequently  and  most 
delightfully  there.  If  a  man  have  lived  near  the 
king,  or  hath  seen  the  Sultan  of  Persia,  or  the  great 
Turk,  he  will  be  thought  a  step  higher  than  his 
neighbors.  What,  then,  shall  we  judge  of  him  that 
daily  travels  as  far  as  heaven,  and  there  hath  seen 
the  King  of  kings,  hath  frequent  admittance  into  the 
divine  presence,  and  feasteth  his  soul  upon  the  tree 
of  life  ?  For  my  part,  I  value  this  man  before  the 
noblest,  the  richest,  the  most  learned  in  the  world. 

3.  A  heavenly  mind  is  the  nearest  and  truest  icay 
to  a  life  of  comfort.  The  countries  far  north  are 
cold  and  frozen,  because  they  are  distant  from  the 
sun.  What  makes  such  frozen,  uncomfortable  Chris- 
tians, but  their  living  so  far  from  heaven?  And 
what  makes  others  so  warm  in  comforts,  but  their 
living  higher,  and  having  nearer  access  to  God? 
When  the  sun  in  the  spring  draws  nearer  to  our 
part  of  the  earth,  hoAV  do  all  things  congratulate  its 
approach !  The  earth  looks  green,  the  trees  shoot 
forth,  the  plants  revive,  the  birds  sing,  and  all  things 
smile  upon  us.  If  we  would  but  try  this  Mh.  witli 
God,  and  keep  these  hearts  above,  what  a  spring  of 
joy  would  be  within  us  !  How  should  we  forget  our 
winter  sorrows  !  How  early  should  we  rise  to  sing 
the  praise  of  our  great  Creator  I  O  Christian,  get 
above !  Those  that  have  been  there  have  found  it 
warmer ;  and  I  doubt  not  but  thou  hast  sometime 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  279 

tried  ft  thyself.  When  hast  thou  largest  comforts  ? 
Is  it  not  when  thou  hast  conversed  with  God,  and 
talked  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  higher  world,  and 
viewed  their  mansions,  and  filled  thy  soul  with  the 
forethoughts  of  glory  ?  If  thou  knovvest  by  experi- 
ence what  this  practice  is,  I  dare  say  thou  knowest 
what  spiritual  joy  is.  If,  as  David  professes,  "  the 
light  of  God's  countenance  more  gladdens  the  heart 
than  corn  and  wine,"  then,  surely,  they  that  draw 
nearest,  and  most  behold  it,  must  be  fullest  of  these 
joys.  Whom  should  we  blame,  then,  that  we  are  so 
void  of  consolation,  but  our  own  negligent  hearts  ? 
God  hath  provided  us  a  crown  of  glory,  and  pro- 
mised to  set  it  shortly  on  our  heads,  and  we  will  not 
so  much  as  think  of  it.  He  bids  us  behold  and  re- 
joice, and  we  will  not  so  much  as  look  at  it :  and 
yet  we  complain  for  want  of  comfort.  It  is  by  be- 
lieving that  we  are  "  filled  with  joy  and  peace,"  and 
no  longer  than  we  continue  believing.  It  is  in  hope 
the  saints  rejoice,  and  no  longer  than  they  continue 
hoping.  God's  Spirit  worketh  our  comforts,  by  set- 
ting our  own  spirits  at  work  upon  the  promises,  and 
raising  our  thoughts  to  the  place  of  our  comforts. 
As  you  would  delight  a  covetous  man  by  showing 
him  gold,  so  God  delights  his  people  by  leading 
them,  as  it  were,  into  heaven,  and  showing  them 
himself,  and  their  rest  with  him.  He  does  not  cast 
in  our  joys,  while  we  are  idle,  or  taken  up  with 
other  things.    He  gives  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  while 


280  IMPORTANCE    OF    A     HEAVENLY 

we  plough,  and  sow,  and  weed,  and  water,  and  dress, 
and  with  patience  expect  his  blessing ;  so  doth  he 
give  the  joys  of  the  soul.  I  entreat  thee,  reader,  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  as  thou  valuest  the  life  of 
constant  joy,  and  that  good  conscience  which  is  a 
continual  feast,  to  set  upon  this  work  seriously,  and 
learn  the  art  of  heavenly-mindedness,  and  thou  shalt 
find  the  increase  a  hundred  fold,  and  the  benefit 
abundantly  exceed  thy  labor.  But  this  is  the  misery 
of  man's  nature:  though  every  man  naturally  hates 
sorrow,  and  loves  the  most  merry  and  joyful  life, 
yet  few  love  the  way  to  joy,  or  will  endure  the  pains 
by  which  it  is  obtained ;  they  will  take  the  next  that 
comes  to  hand,  and  content  themselves  with  earthly 
pleasures,  rather  than  ascend  to  heaven  to  seek  it ; 
and  yet,  when  all  is  done,  they  must  have  it  there, 
or  be  without  it. 

4.  A  heart  in  heaven  will  be  a  most  excellent 
preservative  against  temptations  to  sin.  It  will  keep 
the  heart  well  employed.  When  we  are  idle,  we 
tempt  the  devil  to  tempt  us ;  as  careless  persons 
make  thieves.  A  heart  in  heaven  can  reply  to  the 
tempter,  as  Nehemiah  did :  "I  am  doing  a  great 
work,  so  that  I  cannot  come."  It  hath  no  leisure 
to  be  lustful  or  wanton,  ambitious  or  worldly.  If 
you  were  but  busy  in  your  lawful  callings,  you 
would  not  be  so  ready  to  hearken  to  temptations ; 
much  less  if  you  were  also  busy  above  with  God. 
Would  a  judge  be  persuaded  to  rise  from  the  bench, 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  281 

when  he  is  sitting  upon  life  and  death,  to  go  and 
play  with  children  in  the  streets  ?  No  more  will  a 
Christian,  when  he  is  taking  a  survey  of  his  eternal 
rest,  give  ear  to  the  alluring  charms  of  Satan.  The 
children  of  that  kingdom  should  never  have  time  for 
trifles,  especially  when  they  are  employed  in  the 
affairs  of  the  kingdom ;  and  this  employment  is  one 
of  the  saints'  chief  preservatives  from  temptations. 

A  heavenly  mind  is  the  freest  from  sin,  because  it 
hath  truer  and  livelier  apprehensions  of  spiritual 
things.  He  hath  so  deep  an  insight  into  the  evil  of 
sin,  the  vanity  of  the  creature,  the  brutishness  of 
fleshly,  sensual  delights,  that  temptations  have  little 
power  over  him.  "  In  vain  the  net  is  spread,"  says 
Solomon,  "  in  the  sight  of  any  bird."  And  usually 
in  vain  doth  Satan  lay  his  snares  to  entrap  the  soul 
that  plainly  sees  them.  Earth  is  the  place  for  ^his 
temptations,  and  the  ordinary  bait :  and  how  shall 
these  insnare  the  Christian  who  hath  left  the  earth, 
and  walks  with  God  ?  Is  converse  with  wise  and 
learned  men  the  way  to  make  one  wise  ?  Much 
more  is  converse  with  God.  If  travelers  return 
home  with  wisdom  and  experience,  how  much  more 
he  that  travels  to  heaven  !  If  our  bodies  are  suited 
to  the  air  and  climate  we  most  live  in,  his  under- 
standing must  be  fuller  of  light  who  lives  with  the 
Father  of  lights.  The  men  of  the  world  that  dwell 
below,  and  know  no  other  conversation  but  earthly, 
no  wonder  if  their  "  understanding  be  darkened," 

s.  R.  24* 


282      IMPORTANCE  OF  A  HEAVENLY 

and  Satan  "  take  them  captive  at  his  will."  How 
can  worms  and  moles  see,  whose  dwelling  is  always 
in  the  earth  ?  While  this  dust  is  in  their  eyes,  no 
wonder  they  mistake  gain  for  godliness,  sin  for 
grace,  the  world  for  God,  their  own  wills  for  the 
law  of  Christ,  and,  in  the  issue,  hell  for  heaven. 
But  when  a  ChristiaQ  withdraws  himself  from  his 
worldly  thoughts,  and  begins  to  converse  with  God 
in  heaven,  methinks  he  is,  as  Nebuchadnezzar,  ta- 
ken from  the  beasts  of  the  field  to  the  throne,  and 
"  his  reason  returneth  unto  him."  When  he  hath 
had  a  glimpse  of  eternity,  and  looks  down  on  the 
world  again,  how  doth  he  charge  with  folly  his  neg- 
lects of  Christ,  his  fleshly  pleasures,  his  earthly 
cares !  How  doth  he  say  of  his  laughter.  It  is  mad ; 
and  of  his  vain  mirth.  What  doth  it  ?  How  doth  he 
verily  think  there  is  no  man  in  Bedlam  so  truly 
mad  as  willful  sinners,  and  unworthy  slighters  of 
Christ  and  glory !  This  makes  a  dying  man  usu- 
ally wiser  than  others,  because  he  looks  on  eternity 
as  near,  and  hath  more  heart-piercing  thoughts  of  it 
than  he  ever  had  in  health  and  prosperity.  Then 
many  of  the  most  bitter  enemies  of  the  saints  have 
their  eyes  opened,  and,  like  Balaam,  cry  out,  "  O 
that  I  might  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  that 
my  last  end  might  be  like  his  !"  Yet  let  the  samo 
men  recover,  and  lose  their  apprehensions  of  the  life 
to  come,  and  how  quickly  do  they  lose  their  under- 
standins:  with  it !    Tell  a  dvinof  sinner  of  the  riches 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  283 

honors,  or  pleasures  of  the  world,  and  would  he  not 
answer,  "  What  is  all  this  to  me,  who  must  presently 
appear  before  God,  and  give  an  account  of  all  my 
life?"  Christian,  if  the  apprehended  nearness  of 
eternity  will  work  such  strange  effects  upon  the  un- 
godly, and  make  them  so  much  wiser  than  before, 
O  what  rare  effects  would  it  produce  in  thee,  if  thou 
couldst  always  dwell  in  the  views  of  God,  and  in 
lively  thoughts  of  thy  everlasting  state  !  Surely  a 
believer,  if  he  improve  his  faith,  may  ordinarily  have 
more  quickening  apprehensions  of  the  life  to  come, 
in  the  time  of  his  health,  than  an  unbeliever  hath  at 
the  hour  of  his  death. 

A  heavenly  mind  is  also  fortified  against  tempta- 
tions, because  the  affections  are  thoroughly  prepos- 
sessed with  the  high  delights  of  another  w^orld.  He 
that  loves  most,  and  not  he  that  only  knows  most, 
will  most  easily  resist  the  motions  of  sin.  The  will 
doth  as  sweetly  relish  goodness,  as  the  understand- 
ing doth  truth;  and  here  lies  much  of  a  Christian's 
strength.  When  thou  hast  had  a  fresh,  delightful 
taste  of  heaven,  thou  wilt  not  be  so  easily  persuad- 
ed from  it.  You  cannot  persuade  a  child  to  part 
with  his  sweetmeats  while  the  taste  is  in  his  mouth. 
O  that  you  would  be  much  in  feeding  on  the  hidden 
manna,  and  frequently  tasting  the  delights  of  hea- 
ven !  How  would  this  confirm  thy  resolutions,  and 
make  thee  despise  the  fooleries  of  the  world,  and 
scorn  to  be  cheated  with  such  childish  toys.    If  the 


I 


284      IMPORTANCE  OF  A  HEAVENLY 

devil  had  set  upon  Peter  in  the  mount  of  transfigu- 
ration, when  he  saw  Moses  and  Elias  talking  with 
Christ,  would  he  so  easily  have  been  drawn  to  deny 
his  Lord  ?  What !  with  all  that  glory  in  his  eye  ? 
No.  So  if  he  should  set  upon  a  believing  soul, 
when  he  is  taken  up  in  the  mount  with  Christ, 
what  would  such  a  soul  say  1  "  Get  thee  behind  me, 
Satan ;  wouldst  thou  persuade  me  hence  with  tri- 
fling pleasures,  and  steal  my  heart  from  this  my 
rest  ?  Wouldst  thou  have  me  sell  these  joys  for  no- 
thing ?  Is  any  honor  or  delight  like  this  ?  or  can 
that  be  profit,  for  which  I  must  lose  this  ?"  But  Sa 
tan  stays  till  we  are  come  down,  and  the  taste  of 
heaven  is  out  of  our  mouths,  and  the  glory  we  saw 
is  even  forgotten,  and  then  he  easily  deceives  our 
hearts.  Though  the  Israelites  below,  eat  and  drink, 
and  rise  up  to  play  before  their  idol,  Moses  in  the 
mount  will  not  do  so.  O,  if  we  could  keep  the  taste 
of  our  souls  continually  delighted  with  the  sweet- 
ness above,  with  what  disdain  should  we  spit  out 
the  bails  of  sin  ! 

Besides,  whilst  the  heart  is  set  on  heaven,  a  man 
is  under  God's  protection.  If  Satan  then  assault  us, 
God  is  more  engaged  for  our  defence,  and  will 
doubtless  stand  by  us  and  say,  "  My  grace  is  suffi- 
cient for  thee."  When  a  man  is  in  the  wajr  of 
God's  blessing,  he  is  in  the  less  danger  of  sin's  en- 
ti'*-ng.  Amidst  thy  temptations.  Christian  reader, 
use  much  this  powerful  remedy ;  keep  close  with 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  285 

God  by  a  heavenly  mind ;  follow  your  business 
above  with  Christ,  and  you  Avill  find  this  a  surer 
help  than  any  other.  "  The  way  of  life  is  above  to 
the  wise,  that  he  may  depart  from  hell  beneath." 
Remember  that  "  Noah  was  a  just  man,  and  per- 
fect in  his  generation;"  for  he  "walked  with  God;" 
and  that  God  said  to  Abraham,  "  Walk  before  me, 
and  be  thou  perfect." 

5.  The  diligent  keeping  your  hearts  in  heaven 
tcill  maintain  the  vigor  of  all  your  graces,  and  put 
life  into  all  your  duties.  The  heavenly  Christian 
is  the  lively  Christian.  It  is  our  strangeness  to 
heaven  that  makes  us  so  dull.  How  will  the  sol- 
dier hazard  his  life,  and  the  mariner  pass  through 
storms  and  waves,  and  no  difficulty  keep  them 
back,  when  they  think  of  an  uncertain,  perishing 
treasure !  What  life,  then,  would  it  put  into  a 
Christian's  endeavors,  if  he  would  frequently  think 
of  his  everlasting  treasure  !  We  run  so  slowly,  and 
strive  so  lazily,  because  we  so  little  mind  the  prize. 
Observe  but  the  man  who  is  much  in  heaven,  and 
you  shall  see  he  is  not  like  other  Christians ;  some- 
thing of  what  he  hath  seen  above  appeareth  in  all 
his  duty  and  conversation.  If  a  preacher,  how 
heavenly  are  his  sermons  !  If  a  private  Christian, 
what  heavenly  converse,  prayers,  and  deportment! 
Set  upon  this  employment,  and  others  will  see  the 
face  of  your  conversation  shine,  and  say.  Surely  he 
hath  been  "with  God  on  the  mount."     But  if  you 


28G       IMPORTANCE  OF  A  HEAVENLY 

lie,  complaining  of  dcadness  and  dullness;  that  you 
cannot  love  Christ,  nor  rejoice  in  his  love ;  that  you 
have  no  life  in  prayer,  nor  any  other  duty,  and  yet 
neglect  this  quickening  employment ;  you  are  the 
cause  of  your  own  complaints.  Is  not  thy  life  hid 
with  Christ  in  God  ?  Where  must  thou  go  but  to 
Christ  for  it  ?  And  where  is  that,  but  to  heaven, 
•'  where  Christ  is  ?  Thou  wih  not  come  to  Christ, 
that  thou  mayst  have  life."  If  thou  wouldst  have 
light  and  heat,  why  art  thou  no  more  in  the  sun- 
shine ?  For  want  of  this  recourse  to  heaven,  thy 
soul  is  as  a  lamp  not  lighted,  and  thy  duties  as  a 
sacrifice  without  fire.  Fetch  one  coal  daily  from 
this  altar,  and  see  if  thy  offering  will  not  burn. 
Light  thy  lamp  at  this  flame,  and  feed  it  daily  with 
oil  from  hence,  and  sec  if  it  will  not  gloriously 
shine.  Keep  close  to  this  reviving  fire,  and  see  if 
thy  affections  will  not  be  warm.  In  thy  want  of 
love  to  God,  lift  up  thy  eye  of  faith  to  heaven,  be- 
hold his  beauty,  contemplate  his  excellencies,  and 
see  whether  his  amiableness  and  perfect  goodness 
will  not  ravish  thy  heart.  As  exercise  gives  appe- 
tite, strength,  and  vigor  to  the  body,  so  these  hea- 
venly exercises  will  quickly  cause  the  incroa.se  of 
grace  and  spiritual  life.  Besides,  it  is  not  (iil.so  or 
strange  fire  which  you  fetch  from  heaven  for  your 
sacrifices :  the  zeal  which  is  kindled  by  your  medi- 
tations on  heaven,  is  most  likely  to  be  a  heavenly 
zeal.     Some  men's  fervency  is   only  drawn    from 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH. 


28r 


their  books,  some  from  the  sharpness  of  aflliction, 
some  from  the  mouth  of  a  moving  minister,  and 
some  from  the  attention  of  an  auditory ;  but  he  that 
knows  this  way  to  heaven,  and  derives  it  daily  from 
the  true  fountain,  shall  have  his  soul  revived  with 
the  water  of  life,  and  enjoy  that  quickening  which 
is  peculiar  to  the  saints.  "By  this  faith  thou  mayst 
offer  Abel's  sacrifice,  more  excellent  than"  that  of 
common  men,  and  "  by  it  obtain  witness  that  thou 
art  righteous,  God  testifying  of  thy  gifts"  that  they 
are  sincere.  When  others  are  ready,  like  Baal's 
priests,  to  "  cut  themselves,"  because  their  sacrifice 
will  not  burn,  thou  mayst  breathe  the  spirit  of  Eli- 
jah, and  in  the  chariot  of  contemplation  soar  aloft, 
till  thy  soul  and  sacrifice  gloriously  flame,  though 
the  flesh  and  the  world  should  cast  upon  them  all 
the  water  of  their  opposing  enmity.  Say  not,  How 
can  mortals  ascend  to  heaven  ?  Faith  hath  wings, 
and  meditation  is  its  chariot.  Faith  is  as  a  burning 
glass  to  thy  sacrifice,  and  meditation  sets  it  to  the 
face  of  the  sun ;  only  take  it  not  away  too  soon,  but 
hold  it  there  awhile,  and  thy  soul  will  feel  the 
happy  effect.  Reader,  art  thou  not  thinking,  when 
lliou  seest  a  lively  Christian,  and  hearest  his  lively, 
fervent  prayers,  and  edifying  discourse,  ♦'  O  how 
happy  a  man  is  this  !  O  that  my  soul  were  in  this 
blessed  condition  !"  Why,  I  here  advise  thee,  from 
God,  set  thy  soul  conscientiously  to  this  work,  AA-ash 
ihee  frequently  in  this  Jordan,  and  thy  leprous,  dead 


288      IMrORTANCE  OF  A  HEAVENLY 

soul  will  revive,  "  and  thou  shalt  know  tliat  there  w 
a  God  in  Israel,"  and  that  thou  mayst  live  a  vigor- 
ous and  joyful  life,  if  thou  dost  not  willfully  neglect 
thy  own  mercies. 

6.  The  frequent  believing  views  of  glory  are  the 
most  precious  cordials  in  all  afflictions.  These  cor- 
dials, by  cheering  our  spirits,  render  our  sufferings 
far  more  easy,  enable  us  to  bear  them  w^ith  patience 
and  joy,  and  so  strengthen  our  resolutions,  that  we 
forsake  not  Christ  for  fear  of  trouble.  If  the  way 
be  ever  so  rough,  can  it  be  tedious,  if  it  lead  to 
heaven?  O  sweet  sickness,  reproaches,  imprison- 
ments, or  death,  accompanied  with  these  tastes  of 
our  future  rest !  This  keeps  the  suffering  from  the 
soul,  so  that  it  can  only  touch  the  flesh.  Had  it 
not  been  for  that  little  (alas  !  too  little)  taste  which  I 
had  of  rest,  my  sufferings  would  have  been  grievous, 
and  death  more  terrible.  I  may  say,  "  I  had  faint- 
ed, unless  I  had  believed  to  see  the  goodness  of  the 
Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living."  Unless  this  pro- 
mised rest  "  had  been  my  delight,  I  should  then  have 
perished  in  mine  affliction.  One  thing  have  I  de- 
sired of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek  after ;  that  I  may 
dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my 
life,  to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  in- 
(piire  in  his  temple.  For  in  the  time  of  trouble  he 
shall  hide  me  in  his  pavilion;  in  the  secret  of  his 
tabernacle  shall  he  hide  me ;  he  shall  set  me  upon  a 
rock.     And  now  shall  mine  head  be  lifted  up  above 


t:rt  uroN  earth.  289 

mine  enemies  round  about  me.  Therefore  will  1 
offer  in  .his  tabernacle  sacrifices  of  joy ;  I  will  sing-, 
yea,  I  will  sing  praises  unto  the  Lord."  All  suffer- 
ings are  nothing  to  us,  so  far  as  we  have  these  sup- 
porting joys.  When  persecution  and  fear  hath  shut 
the  doors,  Christ  can  come  in,  and  stand  in  the 
midst,  and  say  to  his  disciples,  "  Peace  be  unto  you." 
Paul  and  Silas  can  be  in  heaven,  even  when  they 
are  thrust  into  the  inner  prison,  their  bodies  scourged 
with  "  many  stripes,  and  their  feet  fast  in  the  stocks." 
The  martyrs  find  more  rest  in  their  flames,  than 
(heir  persecutors  in  their  pomp  and  tyranny;  be- 
cause they  foresee  the  flames  they  escape,  and  the 
rest  which  their  fiery  chariot  is  conveying  them  lo. 
If  the  Son  of  God  will  walk  with  us,  we  are  safe  in 
the  midst  of  those  flames  which  shall  devour  them 
that  cast  us  in.  Abraham  went  out  of  his  country, 
not  knowing  whither  he  went ;  because  he  looked 
for  a  city  which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder  and 
maker  is  God.  Moses  esteemed  the  reproach  of 
Christ  greater  riches  than  the  treasures  in  Egypt ; 
because  he  had  respect  unto  the  recompense  of  re- 
vv'ard.  He  forsook  Egypt,  not  fearing  the  wrath  of 
the  king;  because  he  endured  as  seeing  Him  who 
is  invisible.  Others  were  tortured,  not  accepting 
deliverance,  that  they  might  obtain  a  better  resur- 
rection. Even  Jesus,  the  author  and  finisher  of 
our  faith,  for  the  joy  that  was  set  before  him,  en- 
dured the  cross,  despising  the  shame,  and  is  set 
s.   R.  2'y 


290    *^  IMPORTANCE  OF  A  HEAV£\LV 

down  at  the  right  hand  of  the  throne  of  God,  Thift 
is  the  noble  advantage  of  faith ;  it  can  look  on 
the  means  and  end  together.  This  is  the  great 
reason  of  our  impatience  and  censuring  of  God, 
because  we  gaze  on  the  evil  itself^  but  fix  not  our 
thoughts  on  what  is  beyond  it.  They  that  saw 
Christ  only  on  the  cross,  or  in  the  grave,  do  shake 
their  heads  and  think  him  lost ;  but  God  saw  him 
dying,  buried,  rising,  glorified ;  and  all  this  at  one 
view.  Faith  will,  in  this,  imitate  God,  so  far  as  it 
hath  the  glass  of  a  promise  to  help  it.  We  see 
God  burying  us  under  ground,  but  we  foresee  not 
the  spring,  when  we  shall  all  revive.  Could  we 
but  clearly  see  heaven,  as  the  end  of  all  God's  deal- 
ings with  us,  surely  none  of  his  dealings  could  be 
grievous.  If  God  would  once  raise  us  to  this  life, 
we  should  find,  that  though  heaven  and  sin  are  at  a 
great  distance  ;  yet,  heaven  and  a  prison^  or  banish- 
ment ;  heaven  and  the  belly  of  a  whale,  or  a  den  of 
lions ;  heaven  and  consuming  sickness,  or  invacing 
death,  are  at  no  such  distance.  But  as  "Abrahzim 
saw  Christ's  day  and  rejoiced,'*  so  we,  in  our  most 
forlorn  state,  might  see  that  day  when  Christ  shall 
give  us  rest,  and  therein  rejoice.  I  beseech  thee, 
Christian,  for  the  honor  of  the  Gospel,  and  for  thy 
soul's  comfort,  leave  not  this  heavenly  art  to  be 
learned  when,  in  thy  greatest  extremity,  thou  hast 
most  need  to  use  it.  He  that,  with  Stephen,  "  sees 
the  glory  of  God,  and  Jesus  standing  on  the  right 


LIFE     Ul'OX    EARTH.  291 

hand  of  God,"  will  comfortably  bear  the  shower  of 
stones.  "  The  joy  of  the  Lord  is  our  strength," 
and  that  joy  must  be  fetched  from  the  place  of  our 
joy ;  and  if  we  walk  without  our  strength,  how  long" 
are  we  like  to  endure  1 

7.  He  whose  conversation  is  in  heaven,  is  the  pro- 
fitable Christian  to  all  about  him.  When  a  man  is 
in  a  strange  country,  how  glad  is  he  of  the  compa- 
ny of  one  of  his  own  nation !  how  delightful  is  it 
to  talk  of  their  own  country,  their  acquaintance, 
and  affairs  at  home !  With  what  pleasure  did  Jo- 
seph talk  with  his  brethren,  and  inquire  after  his 
father  and  his  brother  Benjamin !  Is  it  not  so  to  a 
Christian,  to  talk  with  his  brethren  that  have  been 
above,  and  inquire  after  his  Father,  and  Christ  his 
Lord  1  When  a  worldly  man  will  talk  of  nothing 
but  the  ^vorld,  and  a  politician  of  state  affairs,  and  a 
mere  scholar  of  human  learning,  and.a  common  pro- 
fessor of  his  duties  ;  the  heavenly  man  will  be  speak- 
ing of  heaven,  and  the  strange  glory  his  faith  hath 
seen,  and  our  speedy  and  blessed  meeting  there. 
O  how  refreshing  and  useful  are  his  expressions! 
How  his  words  pierce  and  melt  the  heart,  and  trans- 
form the  hearers  into  other  men !  How  doth  his 
"  doctrine  drop  as  the  rain,  and  his  speech  distil  as 
the  dew,  as  the  small  rain  upon  the  tender  herb,  and 
as  the  showers  upon  the  grass,  while  his  lips  pub- 
lish the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  ascribe  greatness 
unto  his  God  !"     His  sweet  discourse  of  heaven  is 


292    -   IMPORTANCE  OF  A  HEAVENLY 

like  the  "  box  of  precious  ointment,"  which,  being 
"  poured  upon  the  head  of  Christ,  fdled  the  house 
with  the  odor."  All  that  are  near  may  be  refreshed 
by  it.  Happy  the  people  that  have  a  heavenly  min- 
ister !  Happy  the  children  and  servants  that  have  a 
heavenly  father  or  master!  Happy  the  man  that 
hath  a  heavenly  companion,  who  will  watch  over 
thy  ways,  strengthen  thee  when  thou  art  weak, 
cheer  thee  when  thou  art  drooping,  and  "  comfort 
thee  with  the  comfort  wherewith  he  himself"  hath 
been  so  often  comforted  of  God  !  This  is  he  that 
will  always  be  blowing  at  the  spark  of  thy  spiritual 
life,  and  drawing  thy  soul  to  God,  and  will  say  to 
thee,  as  the  Samaritan  w^oman,  "  Come  and  see  one 
that  hath  told  me  all  that  ever  I  did  ;"  one  that  hath 
loved  our  souls  to  the  death.  "  Is  not  this  the  Christ?" 
Is  not  "  the  knowledge  of  God  and  him  etenial  life?" 
Is  it  not  the  glory  of  the  saints  to  see  his  glory  ? 
Come  to  this  man's  house  and  sit  at  his  table,  and  he 
will  feast  thy  soul  wuth  the  dainties  of  heaven ;  travel 
with  him  by  the  Avay,  and  he  will  direct  and  quicken 
thee  in  thy  journey  to  heaven;  trade  with  him  in 
the  world,  and  he  will  counsel  thee  to  buy  "  the  pearl 
of  great  price."  If  thou  wrong  him,  he  can  pardon 
thee,  remembering  that  Christ  hath  pardoned  his 
greater  offences.  If  thou  be  angry,  he  is  meek,  consi- 
dering the  meekness  of  his  heavenly  Pattern ;  or,  if  he 
fall  out  with  you,  he  is  soon  reconciled,  when  he  recol 
lects  that  in  heaven  you  must  be  everlasting  friends. 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  293 

This  is  the  Christian  of  the  right  stamp,  and  all  about 
him  are  better  for  him.  How  unprofitable  is  the  so- 
ciety of  all  other  sorts  of  Christians,  in  comparison 
with  this  !  If  a  man  should  come  from  heaven,  how 
would  men  long  to  hear  what  reports  he  would  make 
of  the  other  world,  and  what  he  had  seen,  and  what 
the  blessed  there  enjoy  !  Would  they  not  think  this 
man  the  best  companion,  and  his  discourses  the  most 
profitable  ?  Why,  then,  do  you  value  the  company  of 
saints  no  more,  and  inquire  no  more  of  them,  and 
relish  their  discourse  no  better  ?  For  every  saint 
shall  go  to  heaven  in  person,  and  is  frequently  there 
in  spirit,  and  hath  often  viewed  it  in  the  glass  of  the 
Gospel.  For  my  part,  I  had  rather  have  the  com- 
pany of  a  heavenly-minded  Christian,  than  that  of 
the  most  learned  disputants  or  princel^^  commanders. 

8.  No  man  so  highly  honoreth  God,  as  he  whose 
conversation  is  in  heaven.  Is  not  a  parent  disgraced 
when  his  children  feed  on  husks,  are  clothed  in  rags, 
and  keep  company  with  none  but  rogues  and  beg- 
gars ?  Is  it  not  so  to  our  heavenly  Father,  when  we, 
who  call  ourselves  his  children,  feed  on  earth,  and 
the  garb  of  our  souls  is  like  that  of  the  world;  and 
our  hearts  familiarly  converse  with,  and  "  cleave  to 
the  dust,"  rather  than  stand  continually  in  our  Fa- 
ther's presence  ?  Surely  we  live  below  the  children 
of  the  King,  not  according  to  the  height  of  our 
hopes,  nor  the  provision  of  our  Father's  house,  and 
the  great  preparations  made  for  his  saints.     It  is 

s.  R.  25* 


294    -  IMPORTANCE  OF  A  HEAVENLY 

well  we  have  a  Father  of  tender  bowels,  who  will 
own  his  children  in  rags.  If  he  did  not  first  chal- 
lenge his  interest  in  us,  neither  ourselves  nor  others 
could  know  us  to  be  his  people.  But  when  a  Chris- 
tian can  live  above,  and  rejoice  his  soul  with  the 
things  that  are  unseen,  how  is  God  honored  by  such 
a  one  !  The  Lord  will  testify  for  him :  This  man 
believes  me,  and  takes  me  at  my  word  ;  he  rejoices 
in  my  promise  before  he  has  possession  ;  he  can  be 
thankful  for  what  his  bodily  eyes  never  saw ;  his 
rejoicing  is  not  in  the  flesh ;  his  heart  is  with  me  ; 
he  loves  my  presence,  and  he  shall  surely  enjoy  it 
in  my  kingdom  for  ever.  "  Blessed  are  they  that 
have  not  seen,  and  yet  have  believed.  Them  that 
honor  me,  I  will  honor."  How  did  God  esteem  him- 
self honored  by  Caleb  and  Joshua,  when  they  went 
into  the  promised  land,  and  brought  back  to  their 
brethren  a  taste  of  the  fruits,  and  spake  well  of  the 
good  land,  and  encouraged  the  people  !  What  a  pro- 
mise and  recompense  did  they  receive ! 

9.  A  soul  that  does  not  set  its  affections  on  things 
above,  disobeys  the  commands,  and  loses  the  most  gra^ 
clous  and  delightful  discoveries  of  the  loord  of  God, 
The  same  God  that  hath  commanded  thee  to  believe, 
and  to  be  a  Christian,  hath  commanded  thee  to  "seek 
those  things  which  are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth 
on  the  right  hand  of  God :  and  to  set  our  affectiona 
on  things  above,  not  on  things  on  the  earth."  The 
same  God  that  has  forbidden  thee  to  murder,  steal. 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  295 

or  commit  adultery,  has  forbidden  thee  the  neglect 
of  this  great  duty ;  and  darest  thou  willfully  disobey 
him  ?  Why  not  make  conscience  of  one  as  well  as 
the  other  ?  He  hath  made  it  thy  duty,  as  well  as  the 
means  of  thy  comfort,  that  a  double  bond  may  en- 
gage thee  not  to  forsake  thy  own  mercies.  Besides, 
what  are  all  the  most  glorious  descriptions  of  hea- 
ven, all  those  discoveries  of  our  future  blessedness, 
and  precious  promises  of  our  rest,  but  lost  to  thee  7 
Are  not  these  the  stars  in  the  firmament  of  Scripture, 
and  the  golden  lines  in  that  book  of  God?  Methinks 
thou  shouldst  not  part  with  one  of  these  promises, 
no,  not  for  a  world.  As  heaven  is  the  perfection  of 
all  our  mercies,  so  the  promises  of  it  in  the  Gospel 
are  the  very  soul  of  the  Gospel.  Is  a  comfortable 
word  from  the  mouth  of  God  of  such  worth,  that  all 
the  comforts  in  the  world  are  nothing  to  it  ?  And 
dost  thou  neglect  and  overlook  so  many  of  them? 
Why  should  God  reveal  so  much  of  his  counsel,  and 
tell  us  beforehand  of  the  joys  we  shall  possess,  but 
to  make  us  know  it  for  our  joy?  If  it  had  not  been 
to  fill  us  with  the  delights  of  our  foreknown  blessed- 
ness, he  might  have  kept  his  purpose  to  himself,  and 
never  have  let  us  known  it  till  we  came  to  enjoy  it. 
Yea,  Avhen  we  had  got  possession  of  our  rest,  he 
might  still  have  concealed  its  eternity  from  us,  and 
then  the  fears  of  losing  it  would  have  diminished  the 
sweetness  of  our  joys.  But  it  hath  pleased  our  Fa- 
ther to  open  his  counsel,  and  let  us  know  the  very 


296  IMPORTANUK    OF    A    IIEAVKNLY 

intent  of  his  heart,  that  our  joy  might  be  full,  and 
that  we  might  live  as  the  heirs  of  such  a  kingdom. 
And  shall  we  now  overlook  all  ?  Shall  we  live  in 
earthly  cares  and  sorrows,  and  rejoice  no  more  in 
these  discoveries,  than  if  the  Lord  had  never  wrote 
them  ?  If  thy  prince  had  but  sealed  thee  a  patent  of 
some  lordship,  how  oft  wouldst  thou  cast  thy  eyes 
upon  it,  and  make  it  thy  delightful  study,  till  thou 
shouldst  come  to  possess  the  dignity  itself!  And 
hath  God  sealed  thee  a  patent  of  heaven,  and  dost 
thou  let  it  lie  by  thee,  as  if  thou  hadst  forgot  it  ?  O 
that  our  hearts  were  as  high  as  our  hopes,  and  our 
hopes  as  high  as  these  infallible  promises  ! 

10.  It  is  but  equal  that  our  hearts  should  be  on 
God,  when  the  heart  of  God  is  so  much  on  vs.  If 
the  Lord  of  glory  can  stoop  so  low  as  to  set  his  heart 
on  sinful  dust,  methinks  we  should  easily  be  per- 
suaded to  set  our  hearts  on  Christ  and  glory,  and 
ascend  to  him  in  our  daily  affections,  who  so  much 
condescends  to  us.  Christian,  dost  thou  not  perceive 
that  the  heart  of  God  is  set  upon  thee,  and  that  he 
is  still  minding  thee  with  tender  love,  even  when 
thou  forgettest  both  thyself  and  him  ?  Is  he  not  fol- 
lowing thee  with  daily  mercies,  moving  upon  thy 
soul,  providing  for  thy  body,  preserving  both  ?  Doth 
he  not  bear  thee  continually  in  the  arms  of  love,  and 
promise  that  "  all  shall  work  together  for  thy  good," 
and  suit  all  his  dealings  to  thy  greatest  advantage, 
and  "  2"ive  his  angels  charge  over  thee  ?"  And  cansl 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  297 

thou  be  taken  up  with  the  joys  below,  and  forget  thy 
Lord,  who  forgets  not  thee  ?  Unkind  ingratitude  ! 
When  he  speaks  of  his  own  kindness  for  us,  hear 
what  he  says  :  "  Zion  said,  The  Lord  hath  forsaken 
me,  and  my  Lord  hath  forgotten  me.  Can  a  woman 
I'orget  her  sucking  child,  that  she  should  not  have 
compassion  on  the  son  of  her  womb  ?  Yea,  she  may 
forget,  yet  will  I  not  forget  thee.  Behold,  I  have 
graven  thee  upon  the  palms  of  my  hands  ;  thy  walls 
are  continually  before  me."  But  vdien  he  speaks  of 
our  regards  to  him,  the  case  is  otherwise.  "  Can  a 
maid  forget  her  ornaments,  or  a  bride  her  attire  ? 
Yet  my  people  have  forgotten  me,  days  without 
number."  As  if  he  should  say,  "  You  will  not  rise 
one  morning,  but  you  will  remember  to  cover  your 
nakedness,  nor  forget  your  vanity  of  dress  ;  and  are 
these  of  more  worth  than  your  God  1  of  more  im- 
portance than  your  eternal  life  ?  And  yet  you  can 
forget  these,  day  after  day."  Give  not  God  cause 
thus  to  expostulate  with  us.  Rather  let  our  souls 
fret  up  to  God,  and  visit  him  every  morning,  and  our 
hearts  be  towards  him  every  moment. 

1 1.  Otir  interest  hi  heave7i,  and  our  relation  to  it, 
should  continually  keep  our  hearts  upon  it.  There 
our  Father  keeps  his  court.  We  call  him  "  Our 
Father,  who  art  in  heaven."  Unworthy  children, 
that  can  be  so  taken  up  in  their  play,  as  to  be  mind- 
less of  such  a  Father.  There  also  is  Christ,  our 
head,  our  husband,  our  life  ;  and  shall  Ave  not  look 


298     '      iMroiiTANci:  of  a  iieavkxly 

towards  liim,  and  send  to  liini  as  oft  as  we  can,  till 
we  come  to  see  him  face  to  face  ?  Since  "  the  heavens 
must  receive  him  until  the  times  of  the  restitution  of 
all  things,"  let  them  also  receive  our  hearts  with 
him.  There  also  is  "  New  Jerusalem,  which  is  the 
mother  of  us  all."  And  there  are  multitudes  of  our 
elder  brethren.  There  are  our  friends  and  old  ac- 
quaintance, whose  society  in  the  flesh  we  so  much 
delighted  in,  and  whose  departure  hence  we  so  much 
lamented;  and  is  this  not  attractive  to  thy  thoughts? 
If  they  were  within  thy  reach  on  earth,  thou  wouldst 
go  and  visit  them ;  and  why  not  oftener  visit  them 
in  spirit,  and  rejoice  beforehand  to  think  of  meeting 
them  there?  "  Socrates  rejoiced  that  he  should  die, 
because  he  believed  he  should  see  Homer,  Hesiod, 
and  other  eminent  persons.  How  much  more  do  I 
rejoice,  said  a  pious  old  minister,  who  am  sure  to  see 
Christ  my  Savior,  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  in  his  as- 
sumed flesh ;  besides  so  many  wise,  holy,  and  re- 
nowned patriarchs,  prophets,  apostles,"  &c.  A  be- 
liever should  look  to  heaven,  and  contemplate  the 
blessed  state  of  the  saints,  and  think  with  himself, 
"  Though  I  am  not  yet  so  happy  as  to  be  with  you, 
yet  this  is  my  dail}'-  comfort, — you  are  my  brethren 
and  fellow-members  in  Christ,  and  therefore  your 
joys  are  my  joys,  and  your  glory,  by  this  near  rela- 
tion, is  my  glory ;  especially  while  I  believe  in  the 
same  Christ,  and  hold  fast  the  same  faith  and  obedi- 
ence by  Avhich  you  were  thus  dignified,  and  rejoice 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH,  299 

ill  spirit  with  you,  and  congratulate  your  happiness 
in  my  daily  meditations." 

Moreover,  our  house  and  home  is  above.  "Foi* 
we  know  that  if  our  earthly  house  of  this  taberna- 
cle were  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of  God,  a 
house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens." 
Why  do  we  then  look  no  oftener  towards  it,  and 
"  groan  earnestly,  desiring  to  be  clothed  upon  with 
our  house  which  is  from  heaven  ?"  If  our  home 
were  far  meaner,  sure  we  should  remember  it,  be- 
cause it  is  our  home.  If  you  were  but  banished 
into  a  strange  land,  how  frequently  would  your 
thoughts  be  at  home !  And  why  is  it  not  thus  with 
us  in  respect  of  heaven  1  Is  not  that  more  truly  and 
properly  our  home,  where  we  must  take  up  our 
everlasting  abode,  than  this,  which  we  are  every 
hour  expecting  to  be  separated  from,  and  to  see  no 
more  ?  We  are  strangers,  and  that  is  our  country. 
We  are  heirs,  and  that  is  our  inheritance ;  even  "  an 
inheritance  incorruptible,  undefiled,  and  that  fadeth 
not  away,  reserved  in  heaven  for  us."  We  are 
here  in  continual  distress  and  want,  and  there  lies 
our  substance ;  even  "  a  better  and  an  enduring  sub- 
stance." Yea,  the  very  hope  of  our  souls  is  there ; 
all  our  hope  of  relief  from  our  distresses ;  all  our 
hope  of  happiness,  when  here  we  are  m'.serable ;  all 
this  "  hope  is  laid  up  for  us  in  heaven."  Why,  be- 
loved Christians,  have  we  so  much  interest,  and  so 
few  thoughts  there  ?    so  near  relation,  and  so  little 


300    "   IMPORTANCE  OF  A  HEAVENLY 

aflection  ?  Doth  it  become  us  to  be  delig-hted  in  the 
company  of  strangers,  so  as  to  forget  our  Father  and 
our  Lord?  or  to  be  so  well  pleased  with  those  that 
hate  and  grieve  us,  as  to  forget  our  best  and  dearest 
friends:  or  to  be  so  fond  of  borrowed  trifles,  as  to 
forget  our  own  possession  and  treasure  ?  or  to  be  so 
much  impressed  with  fears  and  wants,  as  to  forget 
our  eternal  joy  and  rest?  God  usually  pleads  his 
property  in  us ;  and  thence  concludes  he  will  do  us 
good,  even  because  we  are  his  own  people,  whom 
he  hath  chosen  out  of  all  the  world.  Why  then  do 
we  not  plead  our  interest  in  him,  and  so  raise  our 
hearts  above:  even  because  he  is  our  own  God,  and 
because  the  place  is  our  own  possession  ?  Men  com- 
monly overlove  and  overvalue  their  own  things,  and 
mind  them  too  much.  O  that  we  could  mind  our 
own  inheritance,  and  value  it  half  as  much  as  it 
deserves. 

12.  Once  more  consider,  there  is  nothing  but  hca^ 
ten  worth  setting  our  hearts  upon.  If  God  have 
them  not,  who  shall?  If  thou  mind  not  thy  rest, 
what  wik  thou  mind  ?  Hast  thou  found  out  some 
other  god;  or  something  that  will  serve  thee  instead 
of  rest  ?  Hast  thou  found  on  earth  an  eternal  happi- 
ness? Where  is  it?  What  is  it  made  of ?  AVho  was 
the  man  tii-it  found  it  out  ?  Who  was  he  that  last 
enjoyed  it  ?  Where  dwelt  he  ?  What  was  his  name  ? 
Or  art  thou  the  first  that  ever  discovered  heaven  on 
earth?    Ah,  wretch!  trust  not  to  thy  discoA-erie* ; 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  301 

boast  not  of  thy  gain,  till  experience  bid  thee  boast. 
Disquiet  not  thyself  in  looking  for  that  which  is  not 
on  earth,  lest  thou  learn  thy  experience  with  the  loss 
of  thy  soul,  which  thou  mightest  have  learned  on 
easier  terms  ;  even  by  the  warnings  of  God  in  his 
word,  and  the  loss  of  thousands  of  souls  before  thee. 
If  Satan  should  "  take  thee  up  to  the  mountain  of 
temptation,  and  show  thee  all  the  kingdoms  of  the 
world,  and  glory  of  them,"  he  could  show  thee  no- 
thing that  is  worthy  thy  thoughts,  much  less  to  be 
preferred  before  thy  rest.  Indeed,  so  far  as  duty  and 
necessity  require  it,  we  must  be  content  to  mind  the 
things  below ;  but  who  is  he  that  contains  himself 
within  the  compass  of  those  limits  1  And  yet,  if  we 
ever  so  diligently  contract  our  cares  and  thoughts, 
we  shall  find  the  least  to  be  bitter  and  burdensome. 
Christian,  see  the  emptiness  of  all  these  things,  and 
the  preciousness  of  the  things  above.  If  thy  thoughts 
should,  like  the  laborious  bee,  go  over  the  world 
from  flower  to  flower,  from  creature  to  creature^ 
they  would  bring  no  honey  or  sweetness  home, 
save  what  they  gathered  from  their  relations  to 
eternity.  Though  every  truth  of  God  is  precious, 
and  ought  to  be  defended ;  yet  even  all  our  study  of 
truth  should  be  still  in  reference  to  our  rest ;  for  the 
observation  is  too  true,  "  that  the  lovers  of  contro- 
versies in  religion  have  never  been  warmed  with 
one  spark  of  the  love  of  God."  And  as  for  minding 
the  "affairs  of  church  and  state ;"  so  far  as  they  il* 
s.   R.  26 


302    IMPORTANCE  OF  A  HEAVENLY  LIFE, 

lustrate  the  providence  of  Clod,  and  tend  to  the  set- 
tling- of  the  Gospel  and  the  government  of  Christ, 
and  consequently  to  the  saving-  of  our  own  souls  and 
those  of  our  posterity,  they  are  well  worth  our  dili- 
gent observation  ;  but  these  are  only  their  relations 
to  eternity.  Even  all  our  dealings  in  the  world,  our 
buying  and  selling,  our  eating  and  drinking,  our 
building  and  marrying,  our  peace  and  war,  so  far 
as  they  relate  not  to  the  life  to  come,  but  tend  only 
to  the  pleasing  of  the  flesh,  are  not  worthy  the  fre- 
quent thoughts  of  a  Christian.  And  now,  doth  not 
thy  conscience  say  that  there  is  nothing  but  heaven, 
and  the  way  to  it,  that  is  worth  thy  minding  ? 

Now,  reader,  are  these  considerations  weighty  or 
not  ?  Have  I  proved  it  thy  duty  to  keep  th}^  heart 
on  things  above,  or  have  I  not  ?  If  thou  say,  Not, 
I  am  confident  thou  contradictest  thy  own  con- 
science. If  thou  acknowledge  thyself  convinced  of 
the  duty,  that  very  tongue  of  thine  shall  condemn 
thee,  and  that  confession  be  pleaded  against  thee,  if 
thou  willfully  neglect  such  a  confessed  duty.  Be 
thoroughly  willing,  and  the  work  is  more  than  half 
done.  I  have  now  a  few  plain  directions  to  give 
you  for  your  help  in  this  great  work ;  but,  alas  !  it 
is  in  vain  to  mention  them,  except  you  be  willing  to 
put  them  into  practice.  However,  I  will  propose 
them  to  thee,  and  may  the  Lord  persuade  thy  heart 
to  the  work ! 


HOW    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY    LIFE.  303 

CHAPTER  XII. 

DIRECTIONS   HOW   TO    LEAD   A   HEAVENLY   LIFE   UPON    EARTH. 

I.  The  hinder ances  to  a  heavenly  life :  1.  Living  in  any  known 
si7i ;  2.  An  earthly  mind ;  3/  Ungodly  companions ;  4,  A 
notional  religion ;  5.  A  haughty  spirit ;  6.  A  slothful  spirit ; 
7.  Resting  in  preparatives  for  a  heavenly  life^  without  the 
thing  itself.  II.  The  duties  which  vnll  promote  a  heavenly 
life  :  1.  Be  convinced  that  heaven  is  the  only  treasure  and 
happiness ;  2.  Labor  to  know  your  interest  in  it ;  3.  And 
how  near  it  is  ;  4.  Frequently  and  seriously  talk  of  it ;  5. 
Endeavor,  in  every  duty,  to  raise  your  affections  nearer  to 
it ;  6.  To  the  same  purpose  improve  every  object  and  event  ; 
7.  Be  much  in  the  angelical  work  of  praise ;  8.  Possess  your 
souls  with  believing  thoughts  of  the  infinite  love  of  God  ;  9. 
Carefully  observe  and  cherish  the  motions  of  the  Spirit  of 
God :  10.  Nor  eveii  neglect  the  due  care  of  your  bodily  health. 

As  thou  vainest  the  comforts  of  a  heavenly  con- 
versation, I  must  here  charge  thee,  from  God,  to 
avoid  carefully  some  dangerous  hinderances ;  and 
then  faithfully  and  diligently  to  practice  such  duties 
as  will  especially  assist  thee  in  attaining  to  a  hea- 
venly life. 

First.  Let  us  consider  those  hinderances  which 
are  to  be  avoided  with  all  possible  care. 

1.  Liviftg  in  any  known  sin,  is  a  grand  impedi- 
ment to  a  heavenly  conversation.  What  havoc  will 
this  make  in  thy  soul !  O  the  joys  that  this  hath  de- 
stroyed !  the  ruin  it  hath  made  amongst  men's  graces ! 


301       -  now    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY 

the   soul-strengthening   duties    it    hath    hindered ! 
Christian  reader,  art  thou  one  that  hast  used  violence 
with  thy  conscience  ?    Art  thou  a  willful  neglectcr 
of  known  duties,  either  public,  private,  or  secret  % 
Art  thou  a  slave  to  thine  appetite,  or  to  any  other 
commanding  sense?    Art  thou  a  proud  seeker  of 
thine  own  esteem  %  Art  thou  a  peevish  and  passion- 
ate person,  ready  to  take  fire  at  every  word,  or  look, 
or  supposed  slight  ?-    Art  thou  a  deceiver  of  others 
in  thy  dealings,  or  one  that  will  be  rich,  right  or 
wrong  %    If  this  be  thy  case,  I.  dare  say  heaven  and 
thy  soul  are  very  great  strangers.    These  beams  in 
thine  eyes  will  not  suffer  thee  to  look  to  heaven ; 
they  will  be  "  a  cloud  between  thee  and  thy  God." 
When  thou  dost  but  attempt  to  study  eternity,  and 
gather  comforts  from  the  life  to  come,  thy  sin  will 
presently  look  thee  in  the  face,  and  say,  "  These 
things  belong  not  to  thee.     How  shouldst  thou  take 
comfort  from  heaven,  who  takest  so  much  pleasure 
in  the  lusts  of  the  flesh?"    How  will  this  damp  thy 
joys,  and  make  the  thoughts  of  that  day  and  state 
become  thy  trouble,  and  not  thy  delight !    Every 
willful  .sin  will  be  to  thy  comforts  as  water  to  the 
fire ;  when  thou  thinkest  to  quicken  them,  this  will 
quench  them.    It  will  utterly  indispose  and  disable 
thee,  that  thou  canst  no  more  ascend  in  divine  me- 
ditation, than  a  bird  can  fly  when  its  wings  are  clip- 
ped.   Sin  cuts  the  very  sineAvs  of  this  heavenly  life. 
O  man !  \vhat  a  life  dost  thou  lose  !  What  daily  de- 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  305 

lights  dost  thou  sell  for  vile  lust !  If  heaven  and  hell 
can  meet  together,  and  God  become  a  lover  of  sin, 
then  mayst  thou  live  in  thy  sin,  and  in  the  tastes  of 
glory ;  and  have  a  conversation  in  heaven,  though 
thou  cherish  thy  corruption.  And  take  heed  lest  it 
banish  thee  from  heaven,  as  it  does  thy  heart.  And 
though  thou  be  not  guilty,  and  knovi^est  no  reigning 
sin  in  thy  soul,  think  what  a  sad  thing  it  would  be, 
if  ever  this  should  prove  thy  case.  Watch,  therefore; 
especially  resolve  to  keep  from  the  occasions  of  sin, 
and  out  of  the  way  of  temptations.  What  need  have 
we  daily  to  pray,  "  Lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but 
deliver  us  from  evil!" 

2.  An  earthly  mind  is  another  hinderance  care- 
fully to  be  avoided.  God  and  mammon,  earth  and 
heaven,  cannot  both  have  the  delight  of  thy  heart. 
When  the  heavenly  believer  is  blessing  himself  in 
his  God,  and  rejoicing  in  hope  of  the  glory  to  come ; 
perhaps  thou  art  blessing  thyself  in  thy  worldly  pros- 
perity, and  rejoicing  in  hope  of  thy  thriving  here. 
When  he  is  comforting  his  soul  in  the  views  of 
Christ,  of  angels,  and  saints,  whom  he  shall  live  Avith 
for  ever  ;  then  thou  art  comforting  thyself  with  thy 
wealth,  in  looking  over  thy  bills  and  bonds,  thy 
goods,  thy  cattle,  or  thy  buildings,  and  in  thinking 
of  the  favor  of  the  great,  of  the  pleasure  of  a  plentiful 
estate,  of  larger  provisions  for  thy  children  after  thee, 
of  the  advancement  of  thy  family,  or  the  increase  of 
thy  dependants.     If  Christ  pronounced  him  a  fool 

s.  R.  26* 


306      -  HOW    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY 

that  said,  "Soul,  take  thy  ease;  thou  hast  enough 
laid  up  for  many  years ;"  how  much  more  so  art 
thou,  who,  knowingly,  speakest  in  thy  heart  the 
same  words  !  Tell  me,  what  difference  between  this 
fool's  expressions  and  thy  affections  ?  Remember, 
thou  hast  to  do  with  the  Searcher  of  hearts.  Certain- 
ly, so  much  as  thou  delightest,  and  takest  up  thy  rest 
on  earth,  so  much  of  thy  delight  in  God  is  abated. 
Thine  earthly  mind  may  consist  with  thy  outward 
profession  and  common  duties,  but  it  cannot  consist 
with  this  heavenly  duty.  Thou  thyself  kno west  how 
seldom  and  cold,  how  cursory  and  reserved,  thy 
thoughts  have  been  of  the  joys  above,  ever  since  thou 
didst  trade  so  eagerly  for  the  world.  O  the  cursed 
madness  of  many  that  seem  to  be  religious  !  They 
thrust  themselves  into  a  multitude  of  employments, 
till  they  are  so  loaded  with  labors,  and  clogged  with 
cares,  that  their  souls  are  as  unfit  to  converse  with 
God,  as  a  man  to  w^alk  with  a  mountain  on  his  back ; 
and  as  unapt  to  soar  in  meditation,  as  their  bodies  to 
leap  above  the  sun  !  And  when  they  have  lost  tl^at 
heaven  upon  earth  which  they  might  have  had,  they 
take  up  with  a  few  rotten  arguments  to  prove  it 
lawful ;  though,  indeed,  they  cannot.  I  advise  thee, 
Christian,  who  hast  tasted  the  pleasures  of  a  heavenly 
life,  if  ever  thou  wouldst  taste  of  them  any  more, 
avoid  this  devouring  gulf  of  an  earthly  mind.  If  once 
thou  come  to  this,  that  thou  "  wilt  be  rich,"  thou  fall- 
est  into  temptation  and  a  snare,  and  into  many  foolish 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  307 

and  hurtful  lusts."  Keep  these  things  loose  about 
thee,  like  thy  upper  garments,  that  thou  mayest  lay 
them  by  whenever  there  is  need ;  but  let  God  and 
glory  be  next  thy  heart.  Ever  remember  that  "  the 
friendship  of  the  world  is  enmity  with  God.  Whoso- 
ever, therefore,  will  be  a  friend  of  the  world,  is  the 
enemy  of  God."  "  Love  not  the  world,  neither  the 
things  that  are  in  the  world.  If  any  man  love  the 
world,  the  love  of  the  Father  is  not  in  him."  This 
is  plain  dealing,  and  happy  he  that  faithfully  re- 
ceives it ! 

3.  Beicare  of  the  company  of  the  ungodly.  Not 
that  I  would  dissuade  thee  from  necessary  converse, 
or  from  doing  them  any  office  of  love  ;  especially  not 
from  endeavoring  the  good  of  their  souls,  as  long  as 
thou  hast  any  opportunity  or  hope ;  nor  would  I  have 
thee  to  conclude  them  to  be  dogs  and  swine,  in  order 
to  evade  the  duty  of  reproof ;  nor  even  to  judge  them 
such  at  all,  as  long  as  there  is  any  hope  for  the  better ; 
much  less  can  I  approve  of  their  practice,  who  con- 
clude men  dogs  or  swine  before  ever  they  faithfully 
and  lovingly  admonish  them,  or  perhaps  before  they 
have  known  them,  or  spoken  with  them.  But  it  is 
the  unnecessary  society  of  ungodly  men,  and  too 
much  familiarity  with  unprofitable  companions,  that 
I  dissuade  you  from.  Not  only  the  open  profane, 
the  swearer,  the  drunkard,  and  the  enemies  of  god- 
liness will  prove  hurtful  companions  to  us — though 
these  indeed  are  chiefly  to  be  avoided ;  but  too  fre- 


308        '         now    TO    LEAD    A    IIEAVENLV 

quent  society  with  persons  merely  civil  and  moral, 
whose  conversation  is  empty  and  unedifying",  may 
much  divert  our  thoughts  from  heaven.  Our  back- 
wardness is  such,  that  we  need  the  most  constaitt 
and  powerful  helps.  A  stone  or  a  clod  is  as  fit  ta 
rise  and  fly  in  the  air,  as  our  hearts  are  naturally  tc 
move  toward  heaven.  You  need  not  hinder  the  rockt 
from  flying-  up  to  the  sky ;  it  is  sufficient  that  you 
do  not  help  them ;  and  surely,  if  our  spirits  have 
not  great  assistance,  they  may  easily  be  kept  from 
soaring  upward,  though  they  should  never  meet 
with  the  least  impediment.  O  think  of  this  in  the 
choice  of  your  company!  When  your  spirits  are  so 
disposed  for  heaven  that  you  need  no  help  to  lift  them 
up,  but,  as  flames,  you  are  always  mounting,  and 
carrying  with  you  all  that  is  in  your  way,  then,  in- 
deed, you  may  be  less  careful  of  your  company ;  but, 
till  then,  as  you  love  the  delights  of  a  heavenly  life, 
be  careful  herein.  What  Avill  it  advantage  thee  in  a 
divine  life,  to  hear  how  the  market  goes,  or  what  the 
weather  is,  or  is  likely  to  be,  or  w^hat  news  is  stir- 
ring ?  This  is  the  discourse  of  earthly  men.  What 
w^ill  it  conduce  to  the  raising  thy  heart  God-ward, 
10  hear  that  this  is  an  able  minister,  or  that  an  emi- 
nent Christian,  or  this  an  excellent  sermon,  or  that 
an  excellent  book ;  or  to  hear  some  difficult,  but  un- 
important controversy  ?  Yet  this,  for  the  most  part, 
is  the  sweetest  discourse  thou  art  like  to  have  from 
a  formal,  speculative,  dead-hearted  professor.    Nay, 


I' 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  o09 

if  thou  hadst  newly  been  warming  thy  heart  in  the 
contemplation  of  the  blessed  joys  above,  would  not 
this  discourse  benumb  thy  affections,  and  quickly 
freeze  thy  heart  again  ?  I  appeal  to  the  judgment  of 
any  man  that  hath  tried  it,  and  maketh  observations 
on  the  frame  of  his  spirit.  Men  cannot  well  talk  of 
one  thing  and  mind  another,  especially  things  of 
such  different  natures.  You,  young  men,  who  are 
most  liable  to  this  temptation,  think  seriously  of  what 
I  say  ;  can  you  have  your  hearts  in  heaven,  among 
your  roaring  companions,  in  an  alehouse  or  tavern? 
or  when  you  work  in  your  shops  with  those  whose 
common  language  is  oaths,  "filthiness,  or  foolish 
talking  or  jesting  ?"  Nay,  let  me  tell  you,  if  you 
choose  such  company  when  you  might  have  better, 
and  find  most  delight  in  such,  j^ou  are  so  far  from  a 
heavenly  conversation,  that,  as  yet,  you  have  no  title 
to  heaven  at  all,  and  in  that  state  shall  never  come 
there.  If  your  treasure  was  there,  your  heart  could 
not  be  on  things  so  distant.  In  a  word,  our  com- 
pany will  be  a  part  of  our  happiness  in  heaven,  and 
it  is  a  singular  part  of  our  furtherance  to  it,  or  hin- 
derance  from  it. 

4.  Avoid  frequent  disputes  about  lesser  truths, 
and  a  religion  that  lies  only  in  opinions.  They  are 
usually  least  acquainted  with  a  heavenly  life,  who 
are  violent  disputers  about  the  circumstant'als  of  re- 
ligion. He  whose  religion  is  all  in  his  opinions, 
will  be  most  frequently  and  zealously  speaking  his 


310  HOW    TO    LEAD    A    IIEAVP:NLY 

opinions;  and  he  whose  religion  lies  in  the  know- 
ledg-e  and  love  of  God  and  Christ,  will  be  most  de- 
lightfully speaking  of  that  happy  time  when  he  shall 
enjoy  them.  He  is  a  rare  and  precious  Christian, 
w^ho  is  skillful  to  improve  w^ell-known  truths.  There- 
fore let  me  advise  you  who  aspire  after  a  heavenly 
life,  not  to  spend  too  much  of  your  thoughts,  your 
time,  your  zeal,  or  your  speech,  upon  disputes  that 
less  concern  your  souls ;  but  when  hypocrites  are 
feeding  on  husks  or  shells,  do  you  feed  on  the  joys 
above.  I  wish  you  were  able  to  defend  every  truth 
of  God,  and  to  this  end  would  read  and  study ;  but 
still  I  would  have  the  chief  truths  to  be  chiefly  stu- 
died, and  none  to  cast  out  your  thoughts  of  eternity. 
The  least  controverted  points  are  usually  most 
weighty,  and  of  most  necessary,  frequent  use  to  our 
souls.  Therefore  study  well  such  Scripture  precepts 
as  these  :  "  Him  that  is  weak  in  the  faith  receive  ye, 
but  not  to  doubtful  disputations.  Foolish  and  un- 
learned questions  avoid,  knowing  that  they  do  gen- 
der strifes.  And  the  servant  of  the  Lord  must  not 
strive."  "  Avoid  foolish  questions,  and  genealogies, 
and  contentions,  and  strivings  about  the  law;  for 
they  are  unprofitable  and  vain."  "  If  any  man  teach 
otherwise,  and  consent  not  to  wholesome  words, 
even  the  words  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  the 
doctrine  which  is  according  to  godliness,  he  is  proud, 
knowing  nothing,  but  doting  about  questions  and 
strifes  of  words,  whereof  cometh  envy,  strife,  rail- 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  311 

ing"s,  evil  surmisings,  perverse  disputings  of  men  of 
corrupt  minds  and  destifute  of  the  truth,  supposing 
that  gain  is  godliness  ;  from  such  withdraw  thyself" 
5.  Take  heed  of  a  'proud  and  lofty  spirit.  There 
is  such  an  antipathy  between  this  sin  and  God,  that 
thou  wilt  never  get  thy  heart  near  him,  nor  get  liim 
near  thy  heart,  as  long  as  this  prevaileth  in  it.  If 
it  cast  the  angels  out  of  heaven,  it  must  needs  keep 
thy  heart  from  heaven.  If  it  cast  our  first  parents 
out  of  paradise,  and  separated  between  the  Lord  and 
us,  and  brought  his  curse  on  all  the  creatures  here 
below,  it  will  certainly  keep  our  hearts  from  para- 
dise, and  increase  the  cursed  separation  from  our 
God.  Intercourse  with  God  will  keep  men  low, 
and  that  lowliness  will  promote  their  intercourse. 
When  a  man  is  used  to  be  much  with  God,  and 
taken  up  in  the  study  of  his  glorious  attributes,  he 
abhors  ^.imself  in  dust  and  ashes  ;  and  that  self-ab- 
horrence is  his  best  preparative  to  obtain  admittance 
to  God  again.  Therefore,  after  a  soul-humbling 
day,  or  in  times  of  trouble,  when  the  soul  is  lowest, 
it  useth  to  have  freest  access  to  God,  and  savor  most 
of  the  life  above.  The  delight  of  God  is  in  "  hrm 
that  is  poor,  and  of  a  contrite  spirit,  and  trembleth  at 
his  word  :"  and  the  delight  of  such  a  soul  is  in  God ; 
and  where  there  is  mutual  delight,  there  will  be 
freest  admittance,  heartiest  welcome,  and  most  fre- 
quent converse.  But  God  is  so  far  from  dwelling 
in  the  soul  that  is  proud,  that  he  will  not  admit  it  to 


312  iiov/  Tu   li:au  a  hlavknly 

any  near  access.  "  The  proud  lie  knowetli  afar 
off;"  "  God  resisteth  the  proud,  and  giveth  grace  to 
the  humble."  A  proud  mind  is  high  in  conceit,  self- 
esteem,  and  carnal  aspiring  ;  a  humble  mind  is  high 
indeed  in  God's  esteem,  and  in  holy  aspiring.  These 
two  sorts  of  high-mindedness  are  most  of  all  oppo' 
site  to  each  other,  as  we  see  most  wars  are  between 
princes  and  princes,  and  not  between  a  prince  and  a 
ploughman.  Well,  then,  art  thou  a  man  of  worth 
in  thy  own  eyes  ?  Art  thou  delighted  when  thou 
hearest  of  thy  esteem  with  men,  and  much  dejected 
when  thou  hearest  that  they  slight  thee  ?  Dost  thou 
love  those  best  that  honor  thee,  and  think  meanly  of 
them  that  do  not,  though  they  be  otherwise  men  of 
godliness  and  honesty?  Must  thou  have  thy  hu- 
mors fulfilled,  and  thy  judgment  be  a  rule,  and  thy 
word  a  law  to  all  about  thee  ?  Are  thy  passions  kin- 
dled, if  thy  word  or  will  be  crossed  ?  Art  thow  ready 
to  judge  humility  to  be  sordid  baseness,  and  know- 
est  not  how^  to  submit  to  humble  confession,  when 
thou  hast  sinned  against  God,  or  injured  thy  bro- 
ther ?  Art  thou  one  that  lookest  strange  at  the  god- 
ly  poor,  and  art  almost  ashamed  to  be  their  compan^ 
ion  ?  Canst  thou  not  serve  God  in  a  low  place  as 
well  as  a  high  ?  Are  thy  boastings  restrained  more 
by  prudence  or  artifice  than  humility  ?  Dost  thou 
desire  to  have  all  men's  eyes  upon  thee,  and  to  hear 
them  say,  "This  is  he?"  Art  thou  unacquainted 
with  the  deceitfulness  and  wickedness  of  thy  heart? 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  313 

Art  thou  more  ready  to  defend  thy  innocence,  than 
accuse  thyself,  or  confess  thy  fault?  Canst  thou 
hardly  bear  a  close  reproof,  or  digest  plain  dealing  1 
If  these  symptoms  be  undeniably  in  thy  heart,  thou 
art  a  proud  person.  There  is  too  much  of  hell  abid- 
ing in  thee,  to  have  any  acquaintance  with  heaven  ; 
thy  soul  is  too  like  the  devil,  to  have  any  familiarity 
with  God.  A  proud  man  makes  himself  his  god, 
and  sets  up  himself  as  his  idol ;  how,  then,  can  his 
affections  be  set  on  God  7  how  can  he  possibly  have 
his  heart  in  heaven  ?  Invention  and  memory  may 
possibly  furnish  his  tongue  with  humble  and  hea- 
venly expressions,  but  in  his  spirit  there  is  no  more 
heaven  than  there  is  humility.  I  speak  the  more  of 
it,  because  it  is  the  most  common  and  dangerous  sin 
in  morality,  and  most  promotes  the  great  sin  of  infi- 
delity. O  Christian  !  if  thou  wouldst  live  continual- 
ly in  the  presence  of  thy  Lord,  lie  in  the  dust,  and 
he  will  thence  take  thee  up.  "  Learn  of  him  to  be 
meek  and  lowly,  and  thou  shalt  find  rest  unto  thy 
soul."  Otherwise  thy  soul  will  be  "  like  the  troubled 
sea,  Avhen  it  cannot  rest,  whose  waters  cast  up  mire 
and  dirt ;"  and  instead  of  these  sweet  delights  in 
God,  thy  pride  will  fill  thee  with  perpetual  disquiet- 
As  he  that  humbleth  himself  as  a  little  child  shall 
hereafter  be  greatest  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  so 
shall  he  now  be  greatest  in  the  foretastes  of  that 
kingdom.  God  "  dwells  with  a  contrite  and  humble 
spirit,  to  revive  the  spirit  of  the  humble,  and  to  revive 
s.  R.  27 


314  HOW    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY 

the  heart  of  the  contrite  ones."  Therefore,  *'  humble 
yourselves  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  lift 
you  up."  And  when  "  others  are  cast  down,  then  thou 
shait  say,  there  is  lifting  up ;  and  he  shall  save  the 
humble  person." 

6.  A  slothful  spirit  is  another  impediment  to  this 
heavenly  life.  And  I  verily  think,  there  is  nothing 
hinders  it  more  than  this  in  men  of  a  good  under- 
standing. If  it  Avere  only  the  exercise  of  the  body, 
the  moving  of  the  lips,  the  bending  of  the  knee, 
men  would  as  commonly  step  to  heaven,  as  they  go 
to  visit  a  friend.  But  to  separate  our  thoughts  and 
affections  from  the_  world,  to  draw  forth  all  our 
graces,  and  increase  each  in  its  proper  object,  and 
hold  them  to  it  till  the  work  prospers  in  our  hands  ; 
this,  this  is  the  difficulty.  Reader,  heaven  is  above 
thee,  and  dost  thou  think  to  travel  this  steep  ascent 
without  labor  and  resolution  ?  Canst  thou  get  that 
earthly  heart  to  heaven,  and  bring  that  backward 
mind  to  God,  while  thou  liest  still,  and  takest  thine 
ease?  If  lying  down  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  and 
looking  toward  the  top,  and  wishing  we  were  there, 
would  serve  the  turn,  then  we  should  have  daily 
travelers  for  heaven.  But  "  the  kingdom  of  hea- 
ven suffereth  violence,  and  the  violent  take  it  by 
force."  There  must  be  violence  used  to  get  these 
first-fruits,  as  well  as  to  get  the  full  possession. 
Dost  thou  not  feel  it  so,  though  I  should  not  tell 
thee?    Will  thy  heart  get  upward,  except  thou  drive 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  315 

it?  Thou  knowest  that  heaven  is  all  thy  hope; 
that  nothing  below  can  yield  thee  rest ;  that  a  heart, 
seldom  thinking  of  heaven,  can  fetch  but  little  com- 
fort thence  ;  and  yet  dost  thou  not  lose  thy  opportu- 
nities, and  lie  below,  when  thou  shouldst  walk  above, 
and  live  with  God?  Dost  thou  not  commend 
the  sweetness  of  a  heavenly  life,  and  judge  those 
the  best  Christians  that  use  it,  and  yet  never  try  it 
thyself?  As  the  sluggard  that  stretches  himself  on 
his  bed,  and  cries,  O  that  this  were  working  !  so 
dost  thou  talk,  and  trifle,  and  live  at  thy  ease,  and 
say,  O  that  I  could  get  my  heart  to  heaven  !  How 
many  read  books  and  hear  sermons,  expecting  to 
hear  of  some  easier  way,  or  to  meet  with  a  shorter 
course  to  comfort,  than  they  are  ever  like  to  find  in 
Scripture  !  Or  they  ask  for  directions  for  a  heavenly 
life,  and  if  the  hearing  them  will  serve,  they  will  be 
heavenly  Christians ;  but  if  we  show  them  their 
work,  and  tell  them  they  cannot  have  these  delights 
on  easier  terms,  then  they  leave  us,  as  the  young 
man  left  Christ,  sorrowful.  If  thou  art  convinced, 
reader,  that  this  work  is  necessary  to  thy  comfort, 
set  upon  it  resolutely :  if  thy  heart  draw  back,  force 
it  on  with  the  command  of  reason  ;  if  thy  reason  be- 
gin to  dispute,  produce  the  command  of  God,  and 
urge  thy  own  necessity,  with  the  other  considerations 
suggested  in  the  former  chapter.  Let  not  such  an 
incomparable  treasure  lie  before  thee,  with  thy  hand 
in  thy  bosom ;  nor  thy  life  be  a  continual  vexation, 


316  now    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY 

when  it  might  be  a  continual  feast,  only  because  thou 
wilt  not  exert  thyself.  Sit  not  still  with  a  disconso- 
late spirit,  while  comforts  grow  before  thine  eyes, 
like  a  man  in  the  midst  of  a  garden  of  flowers,  that 
will  not  rise  to  get  them,  and  partake  of  their  sweet- 
ness. This  I  know,  Christ  is  the  fountain ;  but  the 
well  is  deep,  and  thou  must  get  forth  this  water  be- 
fore thou  canst  be  refreshed  with  it.  I  know,  so  far 
as  you  are  spiritual,  you  need  not  all  this  striving 
and  violence ;  but  in  part  you  are  carnal,  and  as 
long  as  it  is  so,  there  is  need  of  labor.  It  was  the 
custom  of  the  Parthians,  not  to  give  their  children 
any  meat  in  the  morning,  before  they  saw  the  sweat 
on  their  faces  with  some  labor.  And  you  shall  find 
this  to  be  God's  usual  course,  not  to  give  his  children 
the  tastes  of  his  delights  till  they  begin  to  sweat  in 
seeking  after  them.  Judge,  therefore,  whether  a 
heavenly  life  or  thy  carnal  ease  be  better  ;  and,  as  a 
wise  man,  make  thy  choice  accordingly.  Yet,  let  me 
add  for  thy  encouragement,  thou  needest  not  employ 
thy  thoughts  more  than  thou  now  dost ;  it  is  only  to  fix 
them  upon  better  and  more  pleasant  objects.  Em- 
ploy but  as  many  serious  thoughts  every  day  upon 
the  excellent  glory  of  the  life  to  come,  as  thou  now 
dost  upon  worldly  affairs,  yea,  on  vanities  and  imper- 
tinences, and  thy  heart  will  soon  be  at  heaven.  On  the 
whole,  it  is  "  the  field  of  the  slothful  that  is  all  growTi 
over  with  thorns  and  nettles ;  and  the  desire  of  the 
slothful  killeth  his  joy,  for  his  hands  refuse  to  labor ; 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  317 

and  it  is  the  slothful  man  that  saith,  There  is  a  lion  in 
the  way,  a  lion  is  in  the  streets.  As  the  door  turneth 
upon  its  hinges,  so  doth  the  slothful  man  upon  his  bed. 
The  slothful  hideth  his  hand  in  his  bosom  ;  it  griev- 
eth  him  to  bring  it  again  to  his  mouth,"  though  it 
be  to  feed  himself  with  the  food  of  life.  What  is 
this  but  throwing  away  our  consolations,  and  conse- 
quently the  precious  blood  that  bought  them?  For 
"  he  that  is  slothful  in  his  work,  is  brother  to  him 
that  is  a  great  waster."  Apply  this  to  thy  spiritual 
work,  and  study  well  the  meaning  of  it. 

7.  Contentment  ivith  the  mere  'preparatives  to  this 
heavenly  life,  ivhileive  are  utter  strangers  to  the  life 
itself  is  also  a  dangerous  and  secret  hinderance : 
when  we  take  up  with  the  mere  study  of  heavenly 
things,  and  the  notions  of  them,  or  the  talking  with 
one  another  about  them. ;  as  if  this  were  enough  to 
make  us  heavenly.  None  are  in  more  danger  of 
the  snare,  than  those  that  are  employed  m  leading 
the  devotions  of  others,  especially  preachers  of  the 
Gospel.  O  how  easily  may  such  be  deceived  !  while 
they  do  nothing  so  much  as  read  and  study  of  hea- 
ven ;  preach,  and  pra}^,  and  talk  of  heaven  :  is  not 
this  the  heavenly  life?  Alas  !  all  this  is  but  mere 
preparation  ;  this  is  but  collecting  the  materials,  not 
erecting  the  building  itself;  it  is  but  gathering  the 
manna  for  others,  and  not  eating  and  digesting  it 
ourselves.  As  he  that  sits  at  home  may  draw  ex- 
act maps  of  countries,  and  yet  never  see  them,  nor 

s.   R.  27* 


318  HOW    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY 

travel  toward  them  ;  so  may  you  describe  to  others  the 
joys  of  heaven,  and  yet  never  come  near  it  in  your 
own  hearts.  A  blind  man,  by  learning,  may  dispute 
of  light  and  colors  ;  so  may  you  set  forth  to  others 
that  heavenly  light  which  never  enlightened  your 
own  souls,  and  bring  that  fire  from  the  hearts  of 
your  people  which  never  warmed  your  own  hearts. 
What  heavenly  passages  had  Balaam  in  his  prophe- 
cies, yet  how  little  of  it  in  his  spirit !  Nay,  we  are 
under  a  more  subtle  temptation  than  any  other  men 
to  draw  us  from  this  heavenly  life.  Studying  and 
preaching  of  heaven  more  resembles  a  heavenly 
life  than  thinking  and  talking  of  the  world  does ; 
and  the  resemblance  is  apt  to  deceive  us.  This  is  to 
die  the  most  miserable  death,  even  to  famish  our- 
selves, because  we  have  bread  on  our  tables ;  and 
to  die  for  thirst,  while  we  draw  water  for  others ; 
thinking  it  enough  that  we  have  daily  to  do  with  it, 
though  we  never  drink  for  the  refreshment  of  our 
o'vvn  souls. 

Secondly,  Having  thus  showed  what  hinderances 
will  resist  the  work,  I  expect  that  thou  resolve  against 
them,  consider  them  seriously,  and  avoid  them  faith- 
fully, or  else  thy  labor  will  be  vain.  I  must  also  tell 
thee,  that  I  here  expect  thy  promise,  as  thou  valuest 
the  delights  of  these  foretastes  of  heaven,  to  make 
conscience  of  performing  the  following  duties ;  par- 
ticularly, 

1.  Be  convinced  that  heaven  is  the  only  treasure 


l.li'Br  tfVON    EARTH.  319 

and  happiness,  and  labor  to  know  what  a  treasure 
and  happiness  it  is.  If  thou  do  not  believe  it  to  be 
the  chief  good,  thou  wilt  never  set  thy  heart  upon  it; 
and  this  conviction  must  sink  into  thy  affections ;  for 
if  it  be  only  a  notion,  it  will  have  little  efficacy.  If 
Eve  once  supposes  she  sees  more  worth  in  the  for- 
bidden fruit  than  in  the  love  and  enjoyment  of  God, 
no  wonder  if  it  have  more  of  her  heart  than  God. 
If  your  judgment  once  prefer  the  delights  of  the  flesh 
before  the  delights  of  the  presence  of  God,  it  is  im- 
possible your  heart  should  be  in  heaven.  As  it  is  ig- 
norance of  the  emptiness  of  things  below,  that  makes 
men  so  overvalue  them ;  so  it  is  ignorance  of  the 
high  delights  above,  which  is  the  cause  that  men  so 
Uttle  mind  them.  If  you  see  a  purse  of  gold,  and 
believe  it  to  be  but  counters,  it  will  not  entice  your 
affections  to  it.  It  is  not  the  real  excellence  of  a 
thing  itself,  but  its  known  excellence,  that  excites 
desire.  If  an  ignorant  man  see  a  book,  containing 
the  secrets  of  arts  or  sciences,  he  values  it  no  more 
than  a  common  piece,  because  he  knows  not  what 
is  in  it ;  but  he  that  knows  it,  highly  values  it,  and 
can  even  forbear  his  meat,  drink,  and  sleep,  to  read 
it.  As  the  Jews  killed  the  Messiah,  while  they 
waited  for  him,  because  they  did  not  know  him ;  so 
the  world  cries  out  for  rest,  and  busily  seeks  for  de- 
light and  happiness,  because  they  know  it  not ;  for 
did  they  thoroughly  know  what  it  is,  they  could  not 
so  slight  the  everlasting  treasure 


320  HOW    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY 

2.  Labor  also  to  know  that  heaven  is  thy  own  hap- 
piness. We  may  confess  heaven  to  be  the  best  con- 
dition, though  we  despair  of  enjoying"  it:  and  we  may 
desire  and  seek  it,  if  we  see  the  attainment  but  pro- 
bable ;  but  we  can  never  delightfully  rejoice  in  it,  till 
we  are  in  some  measure  persuaded  of  our  title  to  it. 
What  comfort  is  it  to  a  man  that  is  naked,  to  see  the 
rich  attire  of  others  ?  What  delight  is  it  for  a  man 
that  hath  got  a  house  to  put  his  head  in,  to  see  the 
sumptuous  buildings  of  others?  Would  not  all  this 
rather  increase  his  anguish,  and  make  him  more 
sensible  of  his  own  misery  ?  So,  for  a  man  to  know 
the  excellencies  of  heaven,  and  not  know  whether 
ever  he  shall  enjoy  them,  may  raise  desire,  and  urge 
pursuit,  but  he  will  have  little  joy.  Who  will  set 
his  heart  on  another  man's  possessions  ?  If  your 
houses,  your  goods,  your  cattle,  your  children  were 
not  your  own,  you  would  less  mind  them,  and  less 
delight  in  them.  O  Christian  !  rest  not,  therefore, 
till  you  can  call  this  rest  your  own  :  bring  thy  heart 
to  the  bar  of  trial :  set  the  qualifications  of  the  saints 
on  one  side,  and  of  thy  soul  on  the  other,  and  then 
judge  how  near  they  resemble.  Thou  hast  the  same 
word  to  judge  thyself  by  now,  as  thou  must  be 
judged  by  at  the  great  day.  Mistake  not  the  Scrip- 
ture's description  of  a  saint,  that  thou  neither  acquit 
nor  condemn  thyself  upon  mistakes.  For  as  ground- 
less hopes  tend  to  confusion,  and  are  the  greatest 
cause   of   most   men's    damnation ;    so    groundless 


LIFE   UPON    EARTH.  321 

doubts  tend  to,  and  are  the  great  cause  of,  the  saints' 
perplexity  and  distress.  Therefore,  lay  thy  founda- 
tion for  iriai  safely,  and  proceed  in  the  work  delibe- 
rately and  resolutely,  nor  give  over  till  thou  canst 
say  either  thou  hast  or  hast  not  yet  a  title  to  this 
rest.  O  if  men  did  truly  know  that  God  is  their 
own  Father,  and  Christ  their  only  Redeemer  and 
Head,  and  that  those  are  their  own  everlasting  ha- 
bitations, and  that  there  they  must  abide  and  be 
happy  for  ever;  how  could  they  choose  but  be 
transported  with  the  forethoughts  thereof!  If  a 
Christian  could  but  look  upon  sun,  moon,  and  stars, 
and  reckon  all  his  own  in  Christ,  and  say,  "  These 
are  the  blessings  that  my  Lord  hath  procured  me, 
and  things  incomparably  greater  than  these ;"  what 
holy  raptures  would  his  spirit  feel ! 

The  more  do  they  sin  against  their  own  comforts, 
as  well  as  against  the  grace  of  the  Gospel,  who 
plead  for  their  unbelief,  and  cherish  distrustful 
thoughts  of  God,  and  injurious  thoughts  of  their 
Redeemer ;  who  represent  the  covenant  as  if  it  were 
of  works,  and  not  of  grace ;  and  Christ  as  an  ene- 
my rather  than  a  Savior ;  as  if  he  were  willing  they 
should  die  in  their  unbelief,  when  he  hath  invited 
them  so  often  and  so  affectionately,  and  suffered  the 
agonies  that  they  should  suffer.  Wretches  that  we 
are!  to  be  keeping  up  jealousies  of  our  Lord,  when 
we  should  be  rejoicing  in  his  love.  As  if  any  man 
could  choose  Christ,  before  Christ  hath  chosen  him ; 


322  HOW    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY 

or  any  man  were  more  willing  to  be  happy,  than 
Christ  is  to  make  him  happy.  Away  with  these  in- 
jurious, if  not  blasphemous  thoughts  !  If  ever  thou 
hast  harbored  such  thoughts  in  thy  breast,  cast 
them  from  thee,  and  take  heed  how  thou  ever  enter- 
tainest  them  more.  God  hath  written  the  names  oi 
his  people  in  heaven,  as  you  use  to  write  your  names 
or  marks  on  your  goods ;  and  shall  we  be  attempt- 
ing to  raze  them  out,  and  to  write  our  names  on  the 
doors  of  hell  'I  But  blessed  be  "  God,  whose  founda- 
tion standeth  sure ;"  and  who  "  keepeth  us  by  his 
power,  through  faith,  unto  salvation." 

3.  Labor  to  apprehend  hoiv  near  thy  rest  is.  What 
we  think  near  at  hand,  we  are  more  sensible  of  than 
that  which  we  behold  at  a  distance.  When  judg- 
ments or  mercies  are  afar  off,  we  talk  of  them  with 
little  concern ;  but  when  they  draw  close  to  us,  we 
tremble  at,  or  rejoice  in  them.  This  makes  men 
think  on  heaven  so  insensibly,  because  they  conceit 
it  at  too  great  a  distance  ;  they  look  on  it  as  twenty, 
thirty,  or  forty  years  off  How  much  better  were  it 
to  receive  "  the  sentence  of  death  in  ourselves,"  and 
to  look  on  eternity  as  near  at  hand !  While  I  am 
thinking  and  writing  of  it,  it  hasteneth  near,  and  I 
am  even  entering  into  it  before  I  am  aware.  While 
thou  art  reading  this,  whoever  thou  art,  time  post- 
eth  on,  and  thy  life  will  be  gone,  "  as  a  tale  that  is 
told."  If  you  verily  believed  you  should  die  to- 
morrow^  how  seriously  would  you  think  of  heaven 


LIFE    UFON    EARTH,  323 

to-night!  When  Samuel  had  told  Saul,  "To-mor- 
row shalt  thou  be  with  me,"  this  struck  him  to  the 
heart.  And  if  Christ  should  say  to  a  believing  soul, 
"  To-morrow  shalt  thou  be  with  me,"  this  would 
bring  him  in  spirit  to  heaven  beforehand.  Do  but 
suppose  that  you  are  still  entering  into  heaven,  and 
it  will  greatly  help  you  more  seriously  to  mind  it. 

4.  Let  thy  eternal  rest  be  the  subject  of  thy  fre- 
quent serious  discourse,  especially  with  those  that 
can  speak  from  their  hearts,  and  are  seasoned  them- 
selves with  a  heavenly  nature.  It  is  pity  Christians 
should  ever  meet  together,  without  some  talk  of  their 
meeting  in  heaven,  or  of  the  way  to  it,  before  they 
part.  It  is  pity  so  much  time  is  spent  in  vain  con- 
versation and  useless  disputes,  and  not  a  serious  word 
of  heaven  among  them.  Methinks  we  should  meet 
together  on  purpose  to  warm  our  spirts  with  discours- 
ing of  our  rest.  To  hear  a  Christian  set  forth  that 
blessed,  glorious  state,  with  life  and  power,  from  the 
promises  of  the  Gospel,  methinks,  should  make  us 
say,  "  Did  not  our  hearts  burn  within  us,  while  he 
opened  to  us  the  Scriptures?"  If  a  Felix  will  trem- 
ble when  he  hears  his  judgment  powerfully  repre- 
sented, why  should  not  the  believer  be  revived  when 
he  hears  his  eternal  rest  described  ?  Wicked  men 
can  be  delighted  in  talking  together  of  their  wick- 
edness ;  and  should  not  Christians  then  be  dehght- 
ed  in  talking  of  Christ,  and  the  heirs  of  heaven  in 
talking  of  their  inheritance  ?    This  may  make  our 


324        -        HOW    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY 

hearts  revive,  as  it  did  Jacob's  to  hear  the  messagfe 
that  called  him  to  Goshen,  and  to  see  the  chariots 
that  should  bring"  him  to  Joseph.  O  that  we  were 
furnished  with  skill  and  resolution  to  turn  the  stream 
of  men's  common  discourse  to  these  more  sublime 
and  precious  things !  and,  when  men  begin  to  talk 
of  things  unprofitable,  that  we  could  tell  how  to 
put  in  a  word  for  heaven,  and  say,  as  Peter  of  his 
bodily  food,  "  Not  so,  for  I  have  never  eaten  any 
thing  that  is  common  or  unclean !"  O  the  good 
that  we  might  both  do  and  receive  by  this  course  \ 
Had  it  not  been  to  deter  us  from  unprofitable  con  • 
versation,  Christ  would  not  have  talked  of  our  "  giv- 
ing an  account  of  every  idle  word  in  the  day  of 
judgment."  Say,  then,  as  the  Psalmist,  when  you 
are  in  company,  "  Let  my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof 
of  my  mouth,  if  I  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  my 
chief  joy."  Then  you  shall  find  it  true,  that  a 
"  wholesome  tongue  is  a  tree  of  life." 

5.  Endeavor,  in  every  duty,  to  raise  thy  affections 
nearer  to  heaven.  God's  end,  in  the  institution  of 
his  ordinances,  was,  that  they  should  be  as  so  many 
steps  to  advance  us  to  our  rest,  and  by  which,  in  sub- 
ordination to  Christ,  we  might  daily  ascend  in  our 
affections.  Let  this  be  thy  end  in  using  them,  and 
doubtless  they  will  not  be  unsuccessful.  How  have 
you  been  rejoiced  by  a  few  lines  from  a  friend,  when 
you  could  not  see  him  face  to  face  !  And  may  we  not 
have  intercourse  with  God  in  his  ordinances,  though 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  325 

our  persons  be  yet  so  far  remote  ?  May  not  our  spi- 
rits rejoice  in  reading  those  lines  which  contain  our 
legacy  and  charter  for  heaven?  With  what  glad- 
ness and  triumph  may  we  read  the  expressions  of 
divine  love,  and  hear  of  our  celestial  country,  though 
we  have  not  yet  the  happiness  to  behold  it !  Men 
that  are  separated  by  sea  and  land,  can  by  letters 
carry  on  great  and  gainful  trades ;  and  may  not  a 
Christian,  in  the  wise  improvement  of  duties,  drive 
on  this  happy  trade  for  rest  ?  Come,  then,  renounce 
formality,  custom  and  applause,  and  kneel  down  in 
secret  or  public  prayer,  with  hope  to  get  thy  heart 
nearer  to  God  before  thou  risest  up.  When  thou 
openest  thy  Bible,  or  other  book,  hope  to  meet  w^th 
some  passage  of  divine  truth,  and  such  blessing  of 
the  Spirit  with  it,  as  will  give  thee  a  fuller  taste  of 
heaven.  When  thou  art  going  to  the  house  of  God, 
say,  "  I  hope  to  meet  with  someAvhat  from  God  to 
raise  my  affections  before  I  return ;  I  hope  the  Spi- 
rit will  give  me  the  meeting,  and  sweeten  my  heart 
wath  those  celestial   delights;  I  hope  Christ  will 

*  appear  to  me  in  that  way,  and  shine  about  me  with 
light  from  heaven ;'  let  me  hear  his  instructing  and 
reviving  voice,  and  cause  the  scales  to  fall  from  my 
eyes,  that  I  may  see  more  of  that  glory  than  I  ever 
yet  saw.  I  hope,  before  I  return,  my  Lord  will 
bring  my  heart  within  the  view  of  rest,  and  set  it 
before  his  Father's  presence,  that  I  may  return  as 

*  the  shepherds '  from  the  heavenly  vision,  '  glorify- 

s    R.  28 


826  -  HOW    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY 

ing  and  praising  God  for  all  the  things  I  have  heard 
and  seen.'  "  When  the  Indians  first  saw  that  the 
English  could  converse  together  by  letters,  they 
thought  there  was  some  spirit  enclosed  in  them.  So 
would  by-standers  admire,  when  Christians  have 
communion  with  God  in  duties,  what  there  is  in 
those  Scriptures,  in  that  sermon,  in  this  prayer,  that 
fills  their  hearts  so  full  of  joy,  and  so  transports 
them  above  themselves.  Certainly  God  would  not 
fail  us  in  our  duties,  if  we  did  not  fail  ourselves. 
Remember,  therefore,  always  to  pray  for  your  mi- 
nister, that  God  would  put  some  divine  message 
into  his  mouth,  which  may  leave  a  heavenly  relish 
upon  your  spirit. 

6.  Improve  every  object  and  every  event,  to  mind 
thy  soul  of  its  approaching  rest.  As  all  providences 
and  creatures  are  means  to  our  rest,  so  they  point  us 
to  that  as  their  end.  God's  sweetest  dealings  with 
us  at  the  present  would  not  be  half  so  sweet  as  they 
are,  if  they  did  not  intimate  some  further  sweetness. 
Thou  takest  but  the  bare  earnest,  and  overlookebt 
the  main  sum,  when  thou  receivest  thy  mercies,  and 
forgettest  thy  crown.  O  that  Christians  were  skill- 
ful in  this  art !  You  can  open  your  Bibles ;  learn 
to  open  the  volumes  of  creation  and  providence,  to 
read  there  also  of  God  and  glory.  Thus  we  might 
have  a  fuller  taste  of  Christ  and  heaven  in  every 
common  meal,  than  most  men  have  in  a  sacrament. 
If  thou  prosper  in  the  world,  let  it  make  thee  more 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  327 

sensible  of  thy  perpetual  prosperity.  If  thou  art 
weary  with  labor,  let  it  make  the  thoughts  of  thy 
eternal  rest  more  sweet.  If  things  go  cross,  let  thy 
desires  be  more  earnest  to  have  sorrows  and  suffer- 
ings for  ever  cease.  Is  thy  body  refreshed  with  food 
or  sleep  ?  remember  the  inconceivable  refreshment 
with  Christ,  Dost  thou  hear  any  good  news  ?  re- 
member what  glad  tidings  it  will  -be  to  hear  the 
trump  of  God,  and  the  applauding  sentence  of 
Christ.  Art  thou  delighted  with  the  society  of  the 
saints  ?  remember  what  the  perfect  society  in  hea- 
ven will  be.  Is  God  communicating  himself  to  thy 
spirit  ?  remember  the  time  of  thy  highest  advance- 
ment, v/hen  both  thy  communion  and  joy  shall  be 
full.  Dost  thou  hear  the  raging  noise  of  the  wicked, 
and  the  confusions  of  the  world  ?  think  of  the  blessed 
harmony  in  heaven.  Dost  thou  hear  the  tempest  of 
war  ?  remember  the  day  when  thou  shalt  be  in  per- 
fect peace,  under  the  wings  of  the  Prince  of  peace 
for  ever.  Thus,  every  condition  and  creature  affords 
us  advantages  for  a  heavenly  life,  if  we  had  but  hearts 
to  improve  them. 

7.  Be  muck  in  the  angelical  work  of  praise.  The 
more  heavenly  the  employment,  the  more  it  will 
make  the  spirit  heavenly.  Praising  God  is  the  work 
of  angels  and  saints  in  heaven,  and  will  be  our  own 
everlasting  work ;  and  if  we  were  more  in  it  now, 
we  should  be  more  like  what  we  shall  be  then.  As 
desire,  faith  and   hope  are  of  shorter  continuance 


328      -  HOW    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY 

than  love  and  joy,  so  also  preaching,  prayer,  and 
sacraments,  and  all  means  for  expressing  and  con- 
,  firming  our  faith  and  hope,  shall  cease,  when  our 
triumphant  expressions  of  love  and  joy  shall  abide 
for  ever.  The  liveliest  emblem  of  heaven  that  I 
know  upon  earth,  is  when  the  people  of  God,  in  the 
deep  sense  of  his  excellency  and  bounty,  from  hearts 
abounding  with  love  and  joy,  join  together,  both  in 
heart  and  voice,  in  the  cheerful  and  melodious  sing- 
ing of  his  praises.  These  delights,  like  the  testimony 
of  the  Spirit,  witness  themselves  to  be  of  God,  and 
bring  the  evidences  of  their  heavenly  parentage 
along  with  them. 

Little  do  we  know  how  we  Avrong  ourselves  by 
shutting  out  of  our  prayers  the  praises  of  God,  or 
allowing  them  so  narrow  a  room  as  we  usually  do, 
while  we  are  copious  enough  in  our  confessions  and 
petitions.  Reader,  I  entreat  thee,  remember  this : 
let  praises  have  a  larger  room  in  thy  duties ;  keep 
matter  ready  at  hand  to  feed  thy  praise,  as  well  as 
matter  for  confession  and  petition.  To  this  end,  study 
the  excellencies  and  goodness  of  the  Lord  as  fre- 
quently as  thy  own  wants  and  unworthiness ;  the 
mercies  thou  hast  received,  and  those  which  are 
promised,  as  often  as  the  sins  thou  hast  committed. 
"  Praise  is  comely  for  the  upright.  Whoso  offereth 
praise,  glorifieth  God.  Praise  ye  the  Lord,  for  the 
Lord  is  good ;  sing  praises  unto  his  name,  for  it  i«! 
pleasant.     Let  us  offer  the  sacrifice  of  praise  to  God 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  329 

continually,  that  is,  the  fruit  of  our  lips,  giving^ 
thanks  to  his  name."  Had  not  David  a  most  hea- 
venly spirit,  who  was  so  much  in  this  heavenly 
work  ?  Doth  it  not  sometimes  raise  our  hearts,  when 
we  only  read  the  song  of  Moses  and  the  psalms  of 
David  ?  HoAv  much  more  would  it  raise  and  refresh 
us,  to  be  skillful  and  frequent  in  the  work  ourselves! 
O  the  madness  of  youth,  that  lay  out  their  vigor  of 
body  and  mind  upon  vain  delights  and  fleshly  lusts, 
which  is  so  fit  for  the  noblest  vrork  of  man  !  And  O 
the  sinful  folly  of  many  of  the  saints,  who  drench 
their  spirits  in  continual  sadness,  and  waste  their 
days  in  complaints  and  groans,  and  so  make  them- 
selves, both  in  body  and  mind,  unfit  for  this  sweet 
and  heavenly  work !  Instead  of  joining  with  the 
people  of  God  in  his  praises,  they  are  questioning 
their  worthiness,  and  studying  their  miseries ;  and 
so  rob  God  of  his  glory,  and  themselves  of  their 
consolation.  But  the  greatest  destroyer  of  our  com- 
fort in  this  duty,  is  our  taking  up  with  the  tune  and 
melody,  and  sufTering  the  heart  to  be  idle,  which 
ought  to  perform  the  principal  part  of  the  work,  and 
use  the  melody  to  revive  and  exhilarate  itself. 

8.  Ever  keep  thij  soul  possessed  with  believing 
thoughts  of  the  infinite  love  of  God.  Love  is  the 
attractive  of  love.  Few  so  vile  but  will  love  those 
that  love  them.  No  doubt  it  is  the  death  of  our  hea- 
venly life  to  have  hard  thoughts  of  God,  to  conceive 
of  him  as  one  that  would  rather  damn  than  save  us. 

s.   R.  2S* 


6o(J         -       HOW    TO    LEAD    A    HEAVENLY 

This  is  to  put  the  blessed  God  into  the  similitude 
of  Satan.  When  our  ignorance  and  unbelief  have 
drawn  the  most  deformed  picture  of  God  in  our  ima- 
ginations, then  we  complain  that  we  cannot  love  him, 
nor  delight  in  him.  This  is  the  case  of  many  thou- 
sand Christians.  Alas,  that  we  should  thus  blas- 
pheme God,  and  blast  our  own  joys  !  Scripture  as- 
sures us  that  "  God  is  love;  that  fury  is  not  in  him; 
that  he  hath  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  the  wicked, 
but  that  the  wicked  turn  from  his  way  and  live." 
Much  more  hath  he  testified  his  love  to  his  chosen, 
and  his  full  resolution  to  save  them.  O  that  we 
could  always  think  of  God  as  we  do  of  a  friend  ;  as 
of  one  that  unfeignedly  loves  us,  even  more  than  we 
do  ourselves  ;  whose  very  heart  is  set  upon  us  to  do 
us  good,  and  hath  therefore  provided  for  us  an  ever- 
lasting dwelling  with  himself !  it  would  not  then  be 
so  hard  to  have  our  hearts  ever  with  him.  Where 
we  love  most  heartily,  we  shall  think  most  sweetly 
and  most  freely.  I  fear  most  Christians  think  higher 
of  the  love  of  a  hearty  friend  than  of  the  love  of  God ; 
and  what  wonder,  then,  if  they  love  their  friends  bet- 
ter than  God,  and  trust  them  more  confidently  than 
God,  and  had  rather  live  with  them  than  with  God  ? 
9.  Carefully  observe  and  cherish  the  motions  of 
the  Spirit  of  God.  If  ever  thy  soul  get  above  this 
earth,  and  get  acquainted  with  this  heavenly  life, 
the  Spirit  of  God  must  be  to  thee  as  the  chariot  to 
Elijali ;  yea,  the  very  living  principle  by  which  thou 


LIFE    UPON    EARTH.  331 

must  move  and  ascend.  O,  then,  grieve  not  thy 
guide,  quench  not  thy  life,  knock  not  off  thy  chariot 
wheel !  You  little  think  how  much  the  life  of  all 
your  graces,  and  the  happiness  of  you  souls,  depend 
upon  your  ready  and  cordial  obedience  to  the  Spi- 
rit. When  the  Spirit  urges  thee  to  secret  payer ; 
or  forbids  thee  thy  transgressions ;  or  points  to  thee 
the  way  in  which  thou  shouldst  go ;  and  thou  wilt 
not  regard ;  no  wonder  if  heaven  and  thy  soul  be 
strange.  If  thou  wilt  not  follow  the  Spirit,  while 
it  would  draw  thee  to  Christ  and  thy  duty ;  how 
should  it  lead  thee  to  heaven,  and  bring  thy  heart 
into  the  presence  of  God  1  What  supernatural  help, 
what  bold  access,  shall  the  soul  find  in  its  approach- 
es to  the  Almighty,  that  constantly  obeys  the  Spi- 
rit 1  And  how  backward,  how  dull,  how  ashamed 
will  he  be  in  these  addresses,  who  hath  often  broke 
away  from  the  Spirit  that  would  have  guided  him ! 
Christian  reader,  dost  thou  not  feel  sometimes  a  strong 
impression  to  retire  from  the  world,  and  draw  near 
to  God?  Do  not  disobey,  but  take  the  offer,  and 
hoist  up  thy  sails  while  this  blessed  gale  may  be 
had.  The  more  of  the  Spirit  we  resist,  the  deeper 
will  it  wound ;  and  the  more  we  obey,  the  speedier 
will  be  our  pace. 

10.  I  advise  thee,  as  a  further  help  to  this  hea- 
venly life,  neglect  not  the  due  care  of  thy  bodily 
health.  Thy  body  is  a  useful  servant,  if  thou  give 
it  its  due,  and  no  more  than  its  due ;  but  it  is  a  most 


332         now  TO  lead  a  heavenly  life. 

devouring  tyrant,  if  thou  suffer  it  to  have  what  it 
unreasonably  desires  ;  and  it  is  as  a  blunted  knife,  if 
thou  unjustly  deny  it  what  is  necessary  to  its  sup- 
port. When  we  consider  how  frequently  men  of- 
fend on  both  extremes,  and  hoAv  few  use  their  bodies 
aright,  we  cannot  Avonder  if  they  be  much  hindered 
in  their  converse  with  heaven.  Most  men  are 
slaves  to  their  appetite,  and  can  scarce  deny  any 
thing  to  their  flesh,  and  are  therefore  willingly  car- 
ried by  it  to  their  sports,  or  profits,  or  vain  compan- 
ions, when  they  should  raise  their  minds  to  God 
and  heaven.  As  you  love  your  souls,  "  make  not 
provision  for  the  flesh,  to  fulfill  the  lust  thereof;" 
but  remember,  "  to  be  carnally  minded  is  death  ;  be- 
cause the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God ;  for 
it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed 
can  be.  So,  then,  they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot 
please  God.  Therefore,  brethren,  we  are  debtors, 
not  to  the  flesh,  to  live  after  the  flesh.  For  if  ye 
jive  after  the  flesh,  ye  shall  die ;  but  if  ye,  through 
the  Spirit,  do  mortify  the  deeds  of  the  body,  ye  shall 
live."  There  are  a  few  w^ho  much  hinder  their 
heavenly  joy  by  denying  the  body  its  necessaries, 
and  so  making  it  unable  to  serve  them :  if  such 
wronged  their  flesh  only,  it  would  be  no  great  mat- 
ter; but  they  wrong  their  souls  also;  as  he  that 
spoils  the  house  injures  the  inhabitants.  When  the 
body  is  sick,  and  the  spirits  languish,  how  heavily 
do  we  move  in  the  thoughts  and  joys  of  heaven ! 


NATURE  OF  HEAVENLY  CONTEMPLATION.  333 

CHAPTER  XIII. 


TIIE  NATURE   OP  HEAVENLY  CONTEMPLATION;   WITH    THE    TIME, 
PLACE,   AND   TEMPER  FITTEST  FOR  IT. 

The  duty  of  heavenly  contemplation  is  recommended  and  de- 
fined.  The  definition  is  illustrated.  I.  The  time  fittest  for 
it  is  represented  as,  1.  Stated;  2.  Frequent ;  3.  Seasonable 
every  day,  particularly  every  Lord's  day,  but  more  especially 
when  our  hearts  are  warmed  with  a  sense  of  divine  things ; 
or  when  we  are  affiicted  or  tempted ;  or  when  we  are  near 
death.  II,  The  fill  est  place  for  it.  III.  The  fittest  temper 
for  it  is,  1.  When  our  minds  are  most  clear  of  the  world,  2. 
And  most  solemn  and  serious. 

Once  more  I  entreat  thee,  reader,  as  thou  makest 
conscience  of  a  revealed  duty,  and  darest  not  will- 
fully resist  the  Spirit ;  as  thou  valuest  the  high  de- 
lights of  a  saint,  and  the  soul-ravishing  exercise  of 
heavenly  contemplation ;  that  thou  diligently  study, 
and  speedily  and  faithfully  practice  the  following 
directions.  If,  by  this  means,  thou  dost  not  find  an 
increase  of  ail  thy  graces,  and  dost  not  grow  beyond 
the  stature  of  common  Christians,  and  art  not  made 
more  serviceable  in  thy  place,  and  more  precious  in 
the  eyes  of  all  discerning  persons  ;  if  thy  soul  en- 
joy not  more  communion  with  God,  and  thy  life  be 
not  fuller  of  comfort,  and  hast  it  not  readier  by  thee 
at  a  dying  hour ;  then  cast  away  these  directions, 
and  exclaim  against  me  for  ever  as  a  deceiver. 


334  "  THE    NATURE    OF 

The  duty  which  I  press  upon  thee  so  earnestly, 
and  in  the  practice  of  which  I  am  now  to  direct 
thee,  is,  "  The  set  and  solemn  acting  of  all  the  pow- 
ers of  thy  soul  in  meditation  upon  thy  everlasting 
rest."  More  fully  to  explain  the  nature  of  this  du- 
ty, I  will  here  illustrate  a  little  the  description  it- 
self; then  point  out  the  fittest  time,  place,  and  tem- 
per of  mind  for  it. 

It  is  not  improper  to  illustrate  a  little  the  manner 
in  which  we  have  described  this  duty  of  meditation, 
or  the  considering  and  contemplating  of  spiritual 
things.  It  is  confessed  to  be  a  duty  by  all,  but  prac- 
tically denied  by  most.  Many,  that  make  conscience 
of  other  duties,  easily  neglect  this.  They  are  troubled 
if  they  omit  a  sermon,  a  fast,  or  a  prayer,  in  public 
or  private ;  yet  were  never  troubled  that  they  have 
omitted  meditation,  perhaps  all  their  life-time  to  this 
very  day ;  though  it  be  that  duty  by  which  all  other 
duties  are  improved,  and  by  which  the  soul  digest- 
eth  truths  for  its  nourishment  and  comfort.  It  was 
God's  command  to  Joshua,  "  This  book  of  the  law 
shall  not  depart  out  of  thy  mouth,  but  thou  shalt 
meditate  therein  day  and  night,  that  thou  mayest  ob- 
serve to  do  according  to  all  that  is  written  therein." 
As  digestion  turns  food  into  chyle  and  blood,  for  vi- 
gorous health,  so  meditation  turns  the  truths  receiv- 
ed and  remembered  into  warm  affection,  firm  reso- 
lution, and  holy  conversation. 

This  meditation  is  the  acting  of  all  the  powers  of 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  335 

the  soul.  It  is  the  work  of  the  living,  and  not  of  the 
dead.  It  is  a  work,  of  all  others  the  most  spiritual 
and  sublime,  and  therefore  not  to  be  well  performed 
by  a  heart  that  is  merely  carnal  and  earthly.  They 
must  necessarily  have  some  relation  to  heaven  be- 
fore they  can  familiarly  converse  there.  I  suppose 
them  to  be  such  as  have  a  title  to  rest,  when  I  per- 
suade them  to  rejoice  in  the  meditations  of  rest.  And 
supposing  thee  to  be  a  Christian,  I  am  now  exhort- 
ing thee  to  be  an  active  Christian.  And  it  is  the 
work  of  the  soul  I  am  setting  thee  to,  for  bodily  ex- 
ercise doth  here  profit  but  little,  And  it  must  have 
all  the  powers  of  the  soul  to  distinguish  it  from  the 
common  meditation  of  students  ;  for  the  understand- 
ing is  not  the  whole  soul,  and  therefore  cannot  do 
the  whole  work.  As  in  theJDody,  the  stomach  must 
turn  the  food  into  chyle,  and  prepare  for  the  liver, 
the  liver  and  spleen  turn  it  into  blood,  and  prepare 
for  the  heart  and  brain ;  so  in  the  soul,  the  under- 
standing must  take  in  truths,  and  prepare  them  for 
the  will,  and  that  for  the  affections.  Christ  and  hea- 
ven have  various  excellencies,  and  therefore  God 
hath  formed  the  soul  with  different  powers  for  ap- 
prehending those  excellencies.  What  the  better  had 
we  been  for  odoriferous  flowers,  if  we  had  no  smell? 
or  what  good  would  language  or  miiiic  have  done 
us,  if  we  could  not  hear  ?  or  whctt  pleasure  should 
we  have  found  in  meats  and  drinks,  without  the 
sense  of  taste  ?    So  what  good  could  all  the  glory 


336  -  THE    xNATURE    OF 

of  heaven  have  done  us,  or  what  pleasure  should 
we  have  had  in  the  perfection  of  God  himself,  if  we 
had  been  without  the  affections  of  love  and  joy? 
And  what  strength  or  sweetness  canst  thou  possibly 
receive  by  thy  meditations  on  eternity,  while  thou 
dost  not  exercise  those  affections  of  the  soul  by 
which  thou  must  be  sensible  of  this  sweetness  and 
strength  ?  It  is  the  mistake  of  Christians,  to  think 
that  meditation  is  only  the  work  of  the  understand- 
ing and  memory ;  when  every  school-boy  can  do 
this,  or  persons  that  hate  the  things  which  they  think 
on.  So  that  you  see  there  is  more  to  be  done  than 
barely  to  remember  and  think  of  heaven.  As  some 
labors  not  only  stir  a  hand  or  a  foot,  but  exercise  the 
whole  body  ;  so  doth  meditation  the  whole  soul.  As 
the  affections  of  sinners  are  set  on  the  world,  are 
turned  to  idols,  and  fallen  from  God,  as  well  as  their 
understanding ;  so  must  their  affections  be  reduced 
to  God,  as  well  as  the  understanding  ;  and  as  their 
whole  soul  was  filled  with  sin  before,  so  the  whole 
must  be  filled  with  God  now.  See  David's  descrip- 
tion of  the  blessed  man :  "  His  delight  is  in  the  law 
of  the  Lord,  and  in  his  law  doth  he  meditate  day 
and  night." 

This  meditation  is  set  and  solemn.  As  there  is 
solemn  prayer,  when  we  set  ourselves  wholly  to 
that  duty;  and  ejaculatory  prayer,  when,  in  the 
midst  of  other  business,  we  send  up  some  short  re- 
quest to  God ;  so  also  there  is  solemn  meditation, 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  337 

when  we  apply  ourselves  wholly  to  that  work ;  and 
transient  meditation,  when,  in  the  midst  of  other  bu- 
siness, we  have  some  good  thoughts  of  God  in  our 
minds.  And  as  solemn  prayer  is  either  set  in  a  con- 
stant course  of  duty,  or  occasional,  at  an  extraordi- 
nary season ;  so  also  is  meditation.  Now,  though 
1  would  persuade  you  to  that  meditation  which  is 
mixed  Avith  your  common  labors,  and  also  that  which 
special  occasions  direct  you  to ;  yet  I  would  have 
you  likewise  make  it  a  constant  standing  duty,  as 
you  do  by  hearing,  praying,  and  reading  the  Scrip- 
tures ;  and  no  more  intermix  other  matters  with  it, 
than  you  would  with  prayer,  or  other  stated  solem* 
nities. 

This  meditation  is  upon  thy  everlasting  rest.  I 
would  not  have  you  cast  off  your  other  meditations ; 
hut  surely,  as  heaven  hath  the  pre-eminence  in  per- 
fection, it  should  have  it  also  in  our  meditation. 
That  which  will  make  us  most  happy  when  we  pos- 
sess it,  will  make  us  most  joyful  when  we  meditate 
Upon  it.  Other  meditations  are  as  numerous  as 
there  are  lines  in  the  Scripture,  or  creatures  in  the 
universe,  or  particular  providences  in  the  government 
of  the  world.  But  this  is  a  walk  to  Mount  Sion ; 
from  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  to  the  kingdom  of 
saints ;  from  earth  to  heaven  ;  from  time  to  eternity  : 
it  is  walking  upon  sun,  moon  and  stars,  in  the  gar- 
den and  paradise  of  God.  It  may  seem  far  off; 
but  spirits  are  quick ;  whether  in  the  body  or  out  of 
29 


338_  THE    NATURE    OF 

the  body,  their  motion  is  swift.  You  need  not  fear, 
like  the  men  of  the  world,  lest  these  thoughts  should 
make  you  mad.  It  is  heaven,  and  not  hell,  that  1 
persuade  you  to  walk  in.  It  is  joy,  and  not  sor- 
row, that  I  persuade  you  to  exercise.  I  urge  you 
to  look  on  no  deformed  objects,  but  only  upon  the 
ravishing  glory  of  saints,  and  the  unspeakable  ex- 
cellences of  the  God  of  glory,  and  the  beams  that 
stream  from  the  face  of  his  Son.  Will  it  distract  a 
man  to  think  of  his  only  happiness  ?  Will  it  dis- 
tract the  miserable  to  think  of  mercy,  or  the  prison- 
er to  foresee  deliverance,  or  the  poor  to  think  of  ap- 
proaching riches  and  honor?  Methinks  it  should 
rather  make  a  man  mad  to  think  of  living  in  a  world 
of  Avo,  and  abiding  in  poverty  and  sickness,  among 
the  raefe  of  wicked  men,  than  to  think  of  livinof 
with  Christ  in  bliss.  "  But  wisdom  is  justified  of  all 
her  children."  Knowledge  hath  no  enemy  but  the 
ignorant.  This  heavenly  course  was  never  spoken 
against  by  any  but  those  that  never  knew  it,  or  ne- 
ver used  it.  I  fear  more  the  neglect  of  men  that 
approve  it,  than  the  opposition  or  arguments  of  any 
against  it. 

First.  As  to  the  fittest  time  for  this  heavenly  con- 
templation, let  me  only  advise  that  it  be  stated — 
frequent— and  seasonable. 

1.  Give  it  a  stated  time.  If  thou  suit  thy  time  to 
the  advantage  of  the  work,  without  placing  any  re- 
ligion in  the  time  itself,  thou  hast  no  need  to  fear  su- 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  339 

perstltion.  Stated  time  is  a  hedge  to  duty,  and  de- 
fends it  against  many  temptations  to  omission.  Some 
have  not  their  time  at  command,  and  therefore  can- 
not set  their  hours ;  and  many  are  so  poor,  that  the 
necessities  of  their  families  deny  them  this  freedom  ; 
such  persons  should  be  watchful  to  redeem  time  as 
much  as  they  can,  and  take  their  vacant  opportuni- 
ties as  they  fall,  and  especially  join  meditation  and 
prayer,  as  much  as  they  can,  with  the  labors  of  their 
callings.  Yet  those  that  have  more  time  to  spare 
from  their  worldly  necessities,  and  are  masters  of 
their  time,  1  still  advise  to  keep  this  duty  to  a  stated 
time.  And  indeed,  if  every  work  of  the  day  had  its 
appointed  time,  we  should  be  better  skilled,  both  in 
redeeming  time  and  performing  duty. 

2.  Let  it  he  frequent  as  well  as  stated.  How  oft 
it  should  be,  I  cannot  determine,  because  men's  cir- 
cumstances differ :  but  in  general.  Scripture  requires 
it  to  be  frequent,  when  it  mentions  meditating  day 
and  night.  For  those,  therefore,  who  can  conveni- 
ently omit  other  business,  I  advise  that  it  be  once 
a  day  at  least.  Frequency  in  heavenly  contempla- 
tion is  particularly  important, 

To  prevent  a  shjniess  between  God  and  thy  soul. 
Frequent  society  breeds  familiarity,  and  far^iliarity 
increases  love  and  delight,  and  makes  us  bold  in 
our  addresses.  The  chief  end  of  this  duty  is,  to 
have  acquaintance  and  fellowship  with  God  ;  and 
therefore,  if  thou  come  but  seldom  to  it,  thou  wilt 


340     '  THE    NATURE    OF 

keep  thyself  a  stranger  still.  When  a  man  feels 
his  need  of  God,  and  must  seek  his  help  in  a  time  of 
necessity,  then  it  is  great  encouragement  to  go  to 
a  God  we  know  and  are  acquainted  with.  "O!" 
saith  the  heavenly  Christian,  "  I  know  both  whither 
I  go,  and  to  whom.  I  have  gone  this  way  many  a 
time  before  now.  It  is  the  same  God  that  I  daily 
converse  with,  and  the  w.'^y  has  been  my  daily  walk. 
God  knows  me  well  enough,  and  I  have  some 
knowledge  of  him."  On  the  other  side,  what  a 
horror  and  discouragement  will  it  be  to  the  soul, 
when  it  is  forced  to  fly  to  God  in  straits,  to  think, 
"  Alas  !  I  know  not  Avhither  to  go.  I  never  went 
the  way  before.  I  have  no  acquaintance  at  the  court 
of  heaven.  My  soul  knows  not  that  God  that  I 
must  speak  to,  and  I  fear  he  will  not  know  my 
soul."  But  especially  when  Ave  come  to  die,  and 
must  immediately  appear  before  this  God,  and  ex- 
pect to  enter  into  his  eternal  rest,  then  the  differ- 
ence will  plainly  appear  ;  then  what  a  joy  Avill  it  be 
to  think,  "  I  am  going  to  the  place  that  I  daily  con- 
versed in ;  to  the  place  from  whence  I  tasted  such 
frequent  delights ;  to  that  God  whom  I  have  met  in 
my  meditation  so  often  !  My  heart  hath  been  at  hea- 
ven before  now,  and  hath  often  tasted  its  reviving 
sweetness ;  and  if  my  eyes  were  so  enlightened, 
and  my  spirits  so  refreshed,  when  I  had  but  a  taste, 
what  will  it  be  when  I  shall  feed  on  it  freely  ?"  On 
the  contrary,  what  a  terror  will  it  be  to  think,  "  I 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  341 

must  die,  and  go,  I  know  not  whither ;  from  a  place 
where  I  am  acquainted,  to  a  place  where  I  have  no 
familiarity  or  knowledge!"  It  is  an  inexpressible 
horror  to  a  dying  man  to  have  strange  thoughts  of 
God  and  heaven.  I  am  persuaded  the  neglect  of 
this  duty  so  commonly  makes  death,  even  to  godly 
men,  unwelcome  and  uncomfortable.  Therefore  I 
persuade  to  frequency  in  this  duty.  And  as  it  will 
prevent  shyness  between  thee  and  God,  so  also 

It  will  prevent  unskillfulness  in  the  duty  itself. 
How  awkwardly  do  men  set  their  hands  to  a  work 
they  are  seldom  employed  in  !  Whereas,  frequency 
will  habituate  thy  heart  to  the  work,  and  make  it 
more  easy  and  delightful.  The  hill  which  made  thee 
pant  and  blow  at  first  going  up,  thou  mayest  easily 
run  up,  when  thou  art  once  accustomed  to  it. 

Thou  wilt  also  prevent  the  loss  of  that  heat  and 
life  thou  hast  obtained.  If  thou  eat  but  once  in  two 
or  three  days,  thou  wilt  lose  thy  strength  as  fast  as 
it  comes.  If  in  holy  meditation  thou  get  near  to 
Christ,  and  warm  thy  heart  with  the  fire  of  love, 
and  then  come  but  seldom,  thy  former  coldness  will 
soon  return ;  especially  as  the  work  is  so  spiritual, 
and  against  the  bent  of  depraved  nature.  It  is  true, 
the  intermixing  of  other  duties,  especially  secret 
prayer,  may  do  much  to  the  keeping  thy  heart 
above;  but  meditation  is  the  life  of  most  other  du- 
ties, and  the  view  of  heaven  is  the  life  of  meditation. 

3.    Choose  also  the  most  seasonable  time.     All 
s.  R.  29* 


342    ~  THE    NATURE    OF 

things  are  beautiful  and  excellent  in  their  season. 
Unseasonableness  may  lose  the  fruit  of  thy  labor, 
may  raise  difficulties  in  the  work,  and  may  turn  a 
duty  to  a  sin.  The  same  hour  may  be  seasonable  to 
one,  and  unseasonable  to  another.  Servants  and  la- 
borers must  take  that  season  which  their  business 
can  best  afford  ;  either  while  at  work,  or  in  travel- 
ing, or  when  they  lie  awake  in  the  night.  Such  as 
can  choose  what  time  of  the  day  they  will,  should 
observe  when  they  find  their  spirits  most  active  and 
fit  for  contemplation,  and  fix  upon  that  as  the  stated 
time.  I  have  always  found  that  the  fittest  time  for 
myself  is  the  evening,  from  sun-setting  to  the  tvvri- 
light.  I  the  rather  mention  this,  because  it  was  the 
experience  of  a  better  and  wiser  man ;  for  it  is  ex- 
pressly said,  "  Isaac  went  out  to  meditate  in  the  field 
at  the  even-tide."  The  Lord's  day  is  exceeding  sea- 
sonable for  this  exercise.  When  should  we  more 
seasonably  contemplate  our  rest,'  than  on  that  day 
of  rest  which  typifies  it  to  us  ?  It  being  a  day  appro- 
priated to  spiritual  duties,  methinks  we  should  never 
exclude  this  day,  which  is  so  eminently  spiritual. 
I  verily  think  this  is  the  chief  work  of  a  Christian 
Sabbath,  and  most  agreeable  to  the  design  of  its  po- 
sitive institution.  What  fitter  time  to  converse  with 
our  Lord,  than  on  the  Lord's  day?  What  fitter  day 
to  ascend  to  heaven,  than  that  on  which  he  arose 
from  earth,  and  fully  triumphed  over  death  and  hell? 
The  fittest  temper  for  a  true  Christian  is,  like  John, 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  343 

to  "be  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  day."  And  what 
can  bring  us  to  this  joy  in  the  Spirit,  but  the  spiritual 
beholding  of  our  approaching  glory?  Take  notice 
of  this,  you  that  spend  the  Lord's  day  only  in  public 
worship;  your  allowing  no  time  to  private  duty, 
and  therefore  neglecting  this  spiritual  duty  of  medi- 
tation, is  very  hurtful  to  your  souls.  You,  also,  that 
have  time  on  the  Lord's  day  for  idleness  and  vain 
discourse,  were  you  but  acquainted  with  this  duty 
of  contemplation,  you  would  need  no  other  pastime ; 
you  \vould  think  the  longest  day  short  enough,  and 
be  sorry  that  the  night  had  shortened  your  pleasure. 
Christians,  let  heaven  have  more  share  in  your  Sab- 
baths, where  you  must  shortly  keep  your  everlasting 
Sabbaths.  Use  your  Sabbaths  as  steps  to  glory,  till 
you  have  passed  them  all,  and  are  there  arrived. 
Especially  you  that  are  poor,  and  cannot  take  time 
m  the  week  as  you  desire,  sqc  that  you  well  improve 
this  day ;  as  your  bodies  rest  from  their  labors,  let 
your  spirits  seek  after  rest  from  God. 

Besides  the  constant  seasonableness  of  every  day, 
and  particularly  every  Lord's  day,  there  are  also 
more  peculiar  seasons  for  heavenly  contemplation. 
As  for  instance : 

When  God  hath  more  abundantly  warmed  thy 
spirit  with  fire  from  above,  then  thou  mayst  soar 
with  greater  freedom.  A  little  labor  will  set  thy 
heart  a  going  at  such  a  time  as  this :  whereas  at 
another  time  thou  mayst  take  pains  to  little  purpose. 


344  ""  THE    NATURE    OF 

Observe  the  gales  of  the  Spirit,  and  how  the  Spirit 
of  Christ  doth  move  thy  spirit.  "  Without  Christ  we 
can  do  nothing ;"  and  therefore  let  us  be  doing  while 
he  is  doing  !  and  be  sure  not  to  be  out  of  the  way, 
nor  asleep,  when  he  comes.  When  the  Spirit  finds  thy 
heart,  like  Peter,  in  prison,  and  in  irons,  and  smites 
thee,  and  says,  "  Arise  up  quickly,  and  follow  me  !" 
be  sure  thou  then  arise  and  follow  ;  and  thou  shall 
find  thy  chains  fall  off,  and  all  doors  will  open,  and 
thou  wilt  be  at  heaven  before  thou  art  aware. 

Another  peculiar  season  for  his  duty  is,  when 
thou  art  in  a  suffering,  distressed,  or  tempted  state. 
When  should  we  take  our  cordials  but  in  time  of 
fainting?  When  is  it  more  seasonable  to  walk  to 
heaven,  than  when  we  know  not  in  what  corner  of 
earth  to  live  with  comfort  ?  Or  when  should  our 
thoughts  converse  more  above,  than  when  we  have 
nothing  but  grief  below?  Where  should  Noah's 
dove  be  but  in  the  ark,  when  the  waters  cover  all 
the  earth,  and  she  cannot  find  rest  for  the  sole  of  her 
foot  ?  What  should  we  think  on  but  our  Father's 
house,  when  w^e  have  not  even  the  husks  of  the 
world  to  feed  upon  1  Surely  God  sends  thy  afflic- 
tions to  this  very  purpose.  Happy  art  thou,  poor 
man,  if  thou  make  this  use  of  thy  poverty !  and  thou 
that  art  sick,  if  thou  so  improve  thy  sickness  !  It  is 
seasonable  to  go  to  the  promised  land,  when  our  bur- 
dens are  increased  in  Egypt,  and  our  straits  in  the 
wilderness.     Reader,  if  thou  knewest  what  a  cor 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  345 

dial  to  thy  griefs  the  serious  views  of  glory  are, 
thou  wouldst  less  fear  these  harmless  troubles,  and 
more  use  that  preserving,  reviving  remedy.  "  In 
the  multitude  of  my"  troubled  "thoughts  within 
me,"  saith  David,  "thy  comforts  delight  my  soul." 
"  I  reckon,"  saith  Paul,  "  that  the  sufferings  of  this 
present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with 
the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed  in  us."  "  For 
which  cause  we  faint  not ;  but  though  our  outward 
man  perish,  yet  the  inward  man  is  renewed  day  by 
day.  For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a 
moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory,  while  we  look  not  at  the 
things  which  are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which  are 
not  seen ;  for  the  things  which  are  seen  are  tempo- 
ral, but  the  things  which  are  not  seen  are  eternal." 
And  another  season  peculiarly  fit  for  this  heavenly 
duty  is,  when  the  messengers  of  God  summon  us  to 
die.  When  should  we  more  frequently  sweeten  our 
souls  with  the  believing  thoughts  of  another  life, 
than  when  we  find  that  this  is  almost  ended  ?  No 
men  have  greater  need  of  supporting  j  oys  than  dy- 
ing men  ;  and  those  joys  must  be  fetched  from  our 
eternal  joy.  As  heavenly  delights  are  sweetest  when 
nothing  earthly  is  joined  with  them,  so  the  delights 
of  dying  Christians  are  oftentimes  the  sweetest  they 
ever  had.  What  a  prophetic  blessing  had  dying 
Isaac  and  Jacob  for  their  sons  !  With  what  a  hea- 
venly song  and  divine  benediction  did  Moses  con- 


34G  -  THE    NATURE    OF 

elude  his  life  !    What  heavenly  advice  and  prayer 
had  the  disciples  from  their  Lord,  when  he  was 
about  to  leave  them  !    When  Paul  was  ready  to  be 
offered  up,  what  heavenly  exhortation  and  advice 
did  he  give  the  Philippians,  Timothy,  and  the  el- 
ders of  Ephesus  !    How  near  to  heaven  was  John 
in  Patmos,  but  a  little  before  his  translation  thither ! 
It  is  the  general  temper  of  the  saints,  to  be  then  most 
heavenly  when  they  are  nearest  heaven.     If  it  be 
thy  case,  reader,  to  perceive  thy  dying  time  draw 
on,   O  where  should  thy  heart  now  be   but  with 
Christ  ?    Methinks  thou  shouldst  even  behold  him 
standing  by  thee,  and  shouldst  bespeak  him  as  thy 
father,  thy  husband,  thy  physician,  thy  friend.    Me- 
thinks thou  shouldst,  as  it  were,    see   the   angels 
about  thee,  waiting  to  perform  their  last  office  to  thy 
soul ;  even  those  angels  which  disdained  not  to  car- 
ry into  Abraham's  bosom  the  soul  of  Lazarus,  nor 
will  think  much  to   conduct    thee   thither.     Look 
upon  thy  pain  and  sickness  as  Jacob  did  on  Jo- 
seph's chariots,  and  let  thy  spirit  revive  wuthin  thee, 
and  say,  "  It  is  enough,  Christ  is  yet  alive ;  because 
he  liveth,  I  shall  live  also."      Dost  thou  need  the 
choicest  cordials  ?    Here  are  choicer  than  the  world 
can  afford;  here  are  all  the  joys  of  heaven,  even  tho 
vision  of  God  and  Christ,  and  whatsoever  the  bless 
ed  here  possess.    These  dainties  are  offered  thee  by 
the  hand  of  Christ;   he  hath  written  the  receipt  in 
the  promises  of  the  Gospel ;  he  hath  prepared  the 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  347 

ingredients  in  heaven ;  only  put  forth  the  hand  ot 
faith,  and  feed  upon  them,  and  rejoice,  and  live. 
The  Lord  saith  to  thee,  as  to  Elijah,  "  Arise  and 
eat,  because  the  journey  is  too  great  for  thee.*' 
Though  it  be  not  long,  yet  the  way  is  miry ;  there- 
fore obey  his  voice,  arise  and  eat,  "and  in  the 
strength  of  that  meat  thou  mayst  go  to  the  mount 
of  God;"  and,  like  Moses,  "die  in  the  mount  whi- 
ther thou  goest  up ;"  and  say,  as  Simeon,  "  Lord, 
now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  for  my 
eye"  of  faith  "  hath  seen  thy  salvation." 

Secondly.  Concerning  the  Jiitest  place  for  hea- 
venly contemplation,  it  is  sufficient  to  say,  that  the 
most  convenient  is  some  private  retirement.  Our 
spirits  need  every  help,  and  to  be  freed  from  every 
hinderance  in  the  work.  If,  in  private  prayer,  Christ 
directs  us  to  "  enter  into  our  closet,  and  shut  the 
door,  that  our  Father  may  see  us  in  secret,"  so 
should  we  do  this  in  meditation.  How  often  did 
Christ  himself  retire  to  some  mountain,  or  wilder- 
ness, or  other  solitary  place  !  I  give  not  this  advice 
for  occasional  meditation,  but  for  that  which  is  set 
and  solemn.  Therefore  withdraw  thyself  from  all 
society,  even  that  of  godly  men,  that  thou  mayst 
awhile  enjoy  the  society  of  thy  Lord.  If  a  student 
cannot  study  in  a  crowd,  who  exerciseth  only  his 
invention  and  memory,  much  less  shouldst  thou  be 
in  a  crowd,  who  art  to  exercise  all  the  powers  of  thy 
soul,  and  upon  an  object  so  far  above  nature.  We 


0-48  '  THK    NATURE    Of 

are  fled  so  far  from  superstitious  solitude,  that  we 
have  even  cast  off  the  solitude  of  contemplative  de* 
votion.  We  seldom  read  of  God's  appearing  by  him* 
self,  or  by  his  angels,  to  any  of  his  prophets  or  saints, 
in  a  crowd ;  but  frequently  when  they  were  alone. 
But  observe  for  thyself  what  place  best  agrees  with 
thy  spirit,  within  doors  or  without.  Isaac's  example, 
in  "  going  out  to  meditate  in  the  field,"  will,  I  am 
persuaded,  best  suit  w4th  most.  Our  Lord  so  much 
used  a  solitary  garden,  that  even  Judas,  when  he 
came  to  betray  him,  knew  where  to  find  him :  and 
though  he  took  his  disciples  thither  with  him,  yet 
he  "was  withdrawn  from  them"  for  more  secret  de- 
\'Otions ;  and  though  his  meditation  be  not  directly 
named,  but  only  his  praying,  yet  it  is  very  clearly 
implied ;  for  his  scul  is  first  made  sorrowful  Avith 
the  bitter  meditations  on  his  sufferings  and  death, 
and  then  he  poureth  it  out  in  prayer.  So  that  Christ 
had  his  accustomed  place,  and  consequently  accus* 
tomed  duty ;  and  so  must  we :  he  hath  a  place  that 
is  solitary,  whither  he  retireth  himself,  even  from  his 
own  disciples,  and  so  must  we :  his  meditations  go 
further  than  his  thoughts  ;  they  affect  and  pierce  his 
heart  and  soul ;  and  so  must  ours.  Only  there  is  a 
wide  difference  in  the  object :  Christ  meditates  on 
the  sufferings  that  our  sins  had  deserved,  so  that  the 
wrath  of  his  Father  passed  through  all  his  soul ; 
but  we  are  to  meditate  on  the  glory  he  hath  pur- 
chased, that  the  love  of  the  Father,  and  the  joy  of 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  349 

the  Spirit,  may  enter  at  our  thoughts,  and  revive 
our  affections,  and  overflow  our  souls. 

Thirdly.  I  am  next  to  advise  thee  concerning 
the  preparations  of  thy  heart  for  this  heavenly  con* 
templat^'on.  The  success  of  the  work  much  depends 
on  the  frame  of  thy  heart.  When  man's  heart  had 
nothing  in  it  to  grieve  the  Spirit,  it  was  then  the  de- 
lightful habitation  of  his  Maker.  God  did  not  quit 
his  residence  there  till  man  expelled  him  by  unwor- 
thy provocations.  There  was  no  shyness  or  reserve 
til]  the  heart  grew  sinful,  and  too  loathsome  a  dun- 
geon for  God  to  delight  in.  And,  was  this  soul  re- 
duced to  its  former  innocency,  God  would  quickly 
return  to  his  former  habitation ;  yea,  so  far  as  it  is 
renewed  and  repaired  by  the  Spirit,  and  purged  from 
its  lusts,  and  beautified  with  his  image,  the  Lord 
will  yet  acknowledge  it  as  his  own:  Christ  will 
manifest  himself  unto  it,  and  the  Spirit  \\^11  take  it 
for  his  temple  and  residence.  So  far  as  the  heart  is 
qualified  for  conversing  with  God,  so  far  it  usually 
enjo)  s  him.  Therefore,  "with  all  diligence  keep  thy 
heait,  for  out  of  it  are  the  issues  of  life."  More  par* 
ticularly, 

1.  Get  thy  heart  as  clear  from  the  world  as  thou 
canst.  Wholly  lay  by  the  thoughts  of  thy  business, 
troubles,  enjoyments,  and  every  thing  that  may  take 
up  any  room  in  thy  soul.  Get  it  as  empty  as  thou 
possibly  canst,  that  it  may  be  the  more  capable  of 
being  filled  with  God.    If  thou  couldst  perform  some 

8.    R.  30 


350  THE    NATURE    OF 

outward  duty  with  a  piece  of  thy  heart,  while  the 
other  is  absent,  yet  this  duty,  above  all,  I  am  sure 
thou  canst  not.  When  thou  shalt  go  into  the  mount 
of  contemplation,  thou  wilt  be  like  the  covetous  man 
at  the  heap  of  gold,  who,  when  he  might  take  as 
much  as  he  could,  lamented  that  he  was  able  to  carry 
no  more ;  so  thou  wilt  find  so  much  of  God  and 
glory  as  thy  narrow  heart  is  able  to  contain,  and  al- 
most nothing  to  hinder  thy  full  possession,  but  the 
incapacity  of  thy  own  spirit.  Then  thou  wilt  think, 
"  0  that  this  understanding,  and  these  affections, 
could  contain  more !  It  is  more  my  unfitness  than 
any  thing  else,  that  even  this  place  is  not  my  hea- 
ven. *  God  is  in  this  place,  and  I  know  it  not.' 
This  '  mount  is  full  of  chariots  of  fire :'  but  mine 
eyes  are  shut,  and  I  cannot  see  them.  O  the  words 
of  love  Chiiist  hath  to  speak,  and  Avonders  of  love  he 
hath  to  show,  but  I  cannot  bear  them  yet !  Heaven 
is  ready  for  me,  but  my  heart  is  unready  for  heaven." 
Therefore,  reader,  seeing  thy  enjoyment  of  God  in 
this  contemplation  much  depends  on  the  capacity 
and  disposition  of  thy  heart,  seek  him  here,  if  ever, 
with  all  thy  soul.  Thrust  not  Christ  into  the  stable 
and  the  manger,  as  if  thou  hadst  better  guests  for 
the  chief  rooms.  Say  to  all  thy  worldly  business 
and  thoughts,  as  Christ  to  his  disciples,  "Sit  ye 
here,  while  I  go  and  pray  yonder  ;"  o;,  as  Abraham 
to  his  servants,  when  he  went  to  offer  Isaac,  "Abide 
ye  here,  and  I  will  go  yonder  and  worship,  and 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  351 

come  again  to  you."  Even  as  "the  priests  thrust 
king  Uzziah  out  of  the  temple,"  where  he  presumed 
to  burn  incense,  when  they  saw  the  leprosy  upon 
him ;  so  do  thou  thrust  those  thoughts  from  the 
temple  of  thy  heart,  which  have  the  badge  of  God's 
prohibition  upon  them. 

2,  Be  sure  to  set  upon  this  work  with  the  great- 
est solemnity  of  heart  and  mind.  There  is  no  tri- 
fling in  holy  things.  "  God  will  be^  sanctified  in 
them  that  come  nigh  him."  These  spiritual,  excel- 
lent, soul-raising  duties,  are,  if  well  used,  most  pro- 
fitable; but,  when  used  unfaithfully,  most  danger- 
ous. Labor,  therefore,  to  have  the  deepest  appre- 
hensions of  the  presence  of  God,  and  his  incompre- 
hensible greatness.  If  queen  Esther  must  not  draw 
near  "till  the  king  hold  out  the  sceptre,"  think,  then, 
with  what  reverence  thou  shouldst  approach  him 
who  made  the  worlds  with  the  word  of  his  mouth, 
who  upholds  the  earth  as  in  the  palm  of  his  hand, 
who  keeps  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars  in  their  courses, 
and  who  sets  bounds  to  the  raging  sea !  Thou  art 
going  to  converse  with  him,  before  whom  the  earth 
will  quake  and  devils  do  trembie,  and  at  whose  bar 
thou  and  all  the  world  must  shortly  stand,  and  be 
finally  judged.  O  think  !  "  I  shall  then  have  lively 
apprehensions  of  his  majesty.  My  drowsy  spirits 
will  then  be  awakened,  and  my  irreverence  be  laid 
aside ;  and  why  should  I  not  now  be  roused  with 
the  sense  of  his  greatness,  and  the  dread  of  his  name 


352   NATURE  OF  HEAVENLY  CONTEMPLATION. 

possess  my  soul  ?"  Labor  also  to  apprehend  the 
greatness  of  the  work  which  thou  attemptest,  and  to 
be  deeply  sensible  both  of  its  importance  and  excel- 
lency. If  thou  wast  pleading-  for  thy  life  at  the  bar 
of  an  earthly  judge,  thou  wouldst  be  serious,  and  yet 
that  would  be  a  trifle  to  this.  If  thou  wast  engaged 
in  such  a  work  as  David  against  Goliath,  on  which 
the  wellfare  of  a  kingdom  depended ;  in  itself  consi- 
dered, it  were  nothing  to  this.  Suppose  thou  wast 
going  to  such  a  wrestling  as  Jacob's,  or  to  see  the 
sight  which  the  three  disciples  saw  in  the  mount, 
how  seriously,  how  reverently  wouldst  thou  both 
approach  and  behold !  If  but  an  angel  from  hea- 
ven should  appoint  to  meet  thee  at  the  same  time 
and  place  of  thy  contemplations,  with  what  dread 
wouldst  thou  be  filled  ?  Consider,  then,  with  what 
a  spirit  thou  shouldst  meet  the  Lord,  and  with  what 
seriousness  and  awe  thou  shouldst  daily  converse 
with  him.  Consider,  also,  the  blessed  issue  of  the 
work,  if  it  succeed ;  it  will  be  thy  admission  into  the 
presence  of  God,  and  the  beginning  of  thy  eternal 
glory  on  earth  ;  a  means  to  make  thee  live  above 
the  rate  of  other  men,  and  fix  thee  in  the  next  room 
to  the  angels  themselves,  that  thou  mayst  both  live 
and  die  joyfully.  The  prize  being  so  great,  thy 
preparations  should  be  answerable.  There  is  none 
on  earth  live  such  a  life  of  joy  and  blessedness  as 
those  that  are  acquainted  with  this  heavenly  conver- 
sation.   The  joys  of  all  other  men  are  but  like  a 


AUXILIARIES,    &c.  353 

child's  plaything,  a  fool's  laughter,  or  a  sick  man's 
dream  of  health.  He  that  trades  for  heaven  is  the 
only  gainer,  and  he  that  neglects  it  is  the  only  loser. 
How  seriously,  therefore,  should  this  work  be  done ! 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


WHAT    USE    HEAVENLY   CONTEMPLAflON    IVUKES   OP   CONSIDERA- 
TION, AFFECTIONS,   SOLILOaUY,   AND   PRAYER. 

I.  The  use  of  consideration,  and  its  great  injluence  over  the 
heart.  II.  Contemplation  is  promoted  by  the  affections  ;  par- 
ticularly, 1.  By  love,  2.  Desire,  3.  Hope,  4.  Courage,  or  bold- 
ness, b.  Joy.  III.  The  usefulness  of  soliloquy  and  prayer  in 
heavenly  contemplation. 

Having  set  thy  heart  in  tune,  we  now  come  to 
the  music  itself  Having  got  an  appetite,  now  ap- 
proach to  the  feast,  and  delight  thy  soul  as  with  mar- 
row and  fatness.  Come,  for  all  things  are  now  rea- 
dy. Heaven  and  Christ,  and  the  exceeding  weight 
of  glory,  are  before  you.  Do  not  make  light  of 
this  invitation,  nor  begin  to  make  excuses ;  what- 
ever thou  art,  rich  or  poor,  though  in  alms-houses 
or  hospitals,  though  in  high-ways  or  hedges,  my 
commission  is,  if  possible,  to  compel  you  to  come 
in ;  and  blessed  is  he  that  shall  eat  bread  in  the 

5.   R.  30* 


354  AUXILIARIES    OF 

kingdom  of  God !  The  manna  lieth  about  your 
tents  ;  walk  out,  gather  it  up,  take  it  home,  and  feed 
upon  it.  In  order  to  this,  I  am  only  to  direct  you — 
how  to  use  your  consideration— and  affections — your 
soliloquy  and  prayer. 

First.  Consideration  is  the  great  instrument  by 
which  this  heavenly  work  is  carried  on.  This  must 
be  voluntary,  and  not  forced.  Some  men  consider  un- 
willingly ;  so  God  will  make  the  wicked  consider 
their  sins,  when  he  shall  "  set  them  in  order  before 
their  eyes;"'  so  shall  the  damned  consider  of  the  ex- 
cellency of  Christ,  whom  they  once  despised,  and 
of  the  eternal  joys  which  they  have  foolishly  lost. 
Great  is  the  power  which  consideration  hath  for 
moving  the  affections,  and  impressing  things  on  the 
heart ;  as  will  appear  by  the  following  particulars  : 

1.  Consideration,  as  it  were,  opens  the  door  be- 
tween the  head  and  the  heart.  The  understanding 
having  received  truths,  lays  them  up  in  the  memo- 
ry, and  consideration  conveys  them  from  thence  to 
the  affections.  What  excellency  would  there  be  in 
much  learning  and  knowledge,  if  the  obstructions 
between  the  head  and  the  heart  were  but  opened, 
and  the  affections  did  but  correspond  to  the  under- 
standing !  He  is  usually  the  best  scholar,  whose  ap- 
prehension is  quick,  clear,  and  tenacious ;  but  he  is 
usually  the  best  Christian,  whose  apprehension  is 
the  deepest  and  most  affectionate,  and  who  has  the 
readiest  passages,  not  so  much  from  the  ear  to  the 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  355 

brain,  as  from  that  to  the  heart.  And  though  the 
Spirit  be  the  principal  cause,  yet,  on  our  part,  this 
passage  must  be  opened  by  consideration. 

2.  Consideration  presents  to  the  affections  those 
things  which  are  most  important.  The  most  delight- 
ful object  does  not  entertain  where  it  is  not  seen,  nor 
the  most  joyful  news  affect  him  that  does  not  hear  it ; 
out  consideration  presents  to  our  view  those  things 
which  were  as  absent,  but  brings  them  to  the  eye 
and  ear  of  the  soul.  Are  not  Christ  and  glory  affect- 
ing objects  ?  Would  they  not  work  wonders  upon, 
the  soul,  if  they  were  but  clearly  discovered,  and 
o'.ir  apprehensions  of  them  were  in  some  measure 
answerable  to  their  worth  ?  It  is  consideration  that 
presents  them  to  us  :  this  is  the  Christian's  perspec- 
tive., by  which  he  can  see  from  earth  to  heaven. 

?.  Consideration,  also,  presents  the  most  impor- 
tant things  in  the  most  affecting  way.  Considera- 
tion reasons  the  case  with  a  man's  own  heart. 
When  a  believer  would  reason  his  heart  to  heaven- 
ly contemplation,  how  many  arguments  offer  them- 
selves from  God  and  Christ,  from  each  of  the  divine 
perfections,  from  our  former  and  present  state,  from 
promises,  from  present  sufferings  and  enjoyments, 
from  hell  and  heaven !  Ever)^  thing  offers  itself  to 
promote  our  joy,  and  consideration  is  the  hand  to 
draw  them  all  out ;  it  adds  one  reason  to  another,  till 
the  scales  turn :  this  it  does  when  persuading  to  joy,  till 
it  has  silenced  all  our  distrust  and  sorrows,  and  our 


356  '  AUXILIARIES    OF 

cause  for  rejoicing  lies  plain  before  us.  If  another's 
reasoning  is  powerful  with  us,  though  we  are  not  cer- 
tain whether  he  intends  to  inform  or  deceive  us,  how 
much  more  should  our  own  reasoning  prevail  with 
us,  when  we  arc  so  well  acquainted  with  our  own 
intentions  !  Nay,  how  much  more  should  God's  rea- 
soning work  upon  us,  which  we  are  sure  cannot  de- 
ceive, or  be  deceived  !  Now,  consideration  is  but  the 
reading  over  and  repeating  God's  reasons  to  our 
hearts.  As  the  prodigal  had  many  and  strong  rea- 
sons to  plead  with  himself  why  he  should  return  to 
his  father's  house,  so  have  we  to  plead  with  our  af- 
fections, to  persuade  them  to  our  Father's  everlast- 
ing mansions. 

4.  Consideration  exalts  reason  to  its  just  authori- 
ty. It  helps  to  deliver  it  from  its  captivity  to  the 
senses,  and  sets  it  again  on  the  throne  of  the  soul. 
When  reason  is  silent,  it  is  usually  subject ;  for 
when  it  is  asleep,  the  senses  domineer.  But  con- 
sideration awakens  our  reason,  till,  like  Samson,  it 
rouses  up  itself,  and  breaks  the  bonds  of  sensuality, 
and  bears  down  the  delusions  of  the  flesh.  What 
strength  can  the  lion  exert  while  asleep  ?  What  is 
a  king,  v/hen  dethroned,  more  than  another  man  ? 
Spiritual  reason,  excited  by  meditation,  and  not  fan- 
cy or  fleshly  sense,  must  judge  of  heavenly  joys. 
Consideration  exalts  the  objects  of  faith,  and  compar- 
atively disgraces  the  objects  of  sense.  The  most  in- 
considerate men  are  most  sensual.    It  is  too  easy  and 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  357 

common  to  sin  against  knowledge ;  but  against  sober, 
strong,  persevering  consideration,  men  seldom  offend. 

5.  Consideration  makes  reason  strong  and  active. 
Before,  it  was  a  standing  water,  but  now  as  a  stream, 
which  violently  bears  down  all  before  it.  Before,  it 
was  as  the  stones  in  the  brook,  but  now  like  that  out 
of  David's  sling,  which  smites  the  Goliath  of  our 
unbelief  in  the  forehead.  As  wicked  men  continue 
wicked,  because  they  bring  not  reason  into  action 
and  exercise;  so  godly  men  are  uncomfortable,  be- 
cause they  let  their  reason  and  faith  lie  asleep,  and 
do  not  stir  them  up  to  action  by  this  work  of  medita- 
tion. What  fears,  sorrows,  and  joys  will  our  very 
dreams  excite  !  How  much  more,  then,  would  seri- 
ous meditation  affect  us  ! 

6.  Consideration  can  continue  and  persevere  in  this 
rational  employment.  Meditation  holds  reason  and 
faith  to  their  work,  and  blows  the  fire  till  it  tho- 
roughly burns.  To  run  a  few  steps  will  not  get  a 
man  heat,  but  walking  an  hour  may ;  and  though  a 
isudden  occasional  thought  of  heaven  will  not  raise 
our  affections  to  any  spiritual  heat,  yet  meditation 
can  continue  our  thoughts  till  our  hearts  grow 
warm.  Thus  you  see  the  powerful  tendency  of 
consideration  to  produce  this  great  elevation  of  the 
soul  in  heavenly  contemplation. 

Secondly.  Let  us  next  see  how  this  heavenly 
work  is  promoted  by  the  particular  exercise  of  the 
affections.     It  is  by  consideration  that  we  first  have 


358  AUXILIARIES    OF 

recourse  to  the  memory,  and  from  thence  take  those 
heavenly  doctrines  which  we  intend  to  make  the 
subject  of  our  meditation  ;  such  as  promises  of  eter- 
nal life,  descriptions  of  the  saints'  glory,  the  resur- 
rection, &c.  We  then  present  them  to  our  judg- 
ment, that  it  may  deliberately  view  them  over,  and 
take  an  exact  survey,  and  determine  uprightly  con- 
cerning the  perfection  of  our  celestial  happiness, 
against  all  the  dictates  of  flesh  and  sense,  and  so  as 
to  magnify  the  Lord  in  our  hearts,  till  we  are  filled 
with  a  holy  admiration.  But  the  principal  thing  is 
to  exercise,  not  merely  our  judgment,  but  our  faith 
in  the  truth  of  our  everlasting  rest ;  by  which  I 
mean,  both  the  truth  of  the  promises,  and  of  our 
own  personal  interest  in  them,  and  title  to  them. 
If  we  did  really  and  firmly  believe  that  there  is 
such  a  glory,  and  that  within  a  few  days  our  eyes 
shall  behold  it,  O  what  passions  would  it  raise  with- 
in us  !  What  astonishing  apprehensions  of  that  life 
would  it  produce  !  What  love,  what  longing  would 
it  excite  within  us  !  O  how  it  would  actuate  every 
affection  !  how  it  would  transport  us  with  joy,  upon 
the  least  assurance  of  our  title !  Never  expect  to 
have  love  and  joy  move,  when  faith  stands  still, 
which  must  lead  the  way.  Therefore  daily  exer- 
cise faith,  and  set  before  it  the  freeness  of  the  pro- 
mise, God's  urging  all  to  accept  it,  Christ's  gra- 
cious disposition,  all  the  evidences  of  the  love  of 
Christ,  his  faithfulness  to  his  engagement,  and  the 


HEAVENLY    COXTEMPLATION.  359 

evidences  of  his  love  in  ourselves ;  lay  all  these  to- 
gether, and  think  whether  they  do  not  testify  the 
good  will  of  the  Lord  concerning  our  salvation,  and 
may  not  properly  be  pleaded  against  our  unbelief 
Thus,  Avhen  the  judgment  hath  determined,  and 
faith  hath  apprehended  the  truth  of  our  happiness, 
then  may  our  meditation  proceed  to  raise  our  affec- 
tions, and  particularly  love,  desire,  hope,  courage  or 
boldness,  and  joy. 

1.  Love  is  the  first  affection  to  be  excited  in  hea- 
venly contemplation;  the  object  of  it  is  goodness. 
Here,  Christian,  is  the  soul-reviving  part  of  thy 
work.  Go  to  thy  memory,  thy  judgment,  and  thy 
faith,  and  from  them  produce  the  excellencies  of  thy 
rest ;  present  these  to  thy  affection  of  love,  and  thou 
wilt  find  thyself,  as  it  were,  in  another  world.  Speak 
out,  and  love  can  hear.  Do  but  reveal  these  things, 
and  love  can  see.  It  is  the  brutish  love  of  the  world 
that  is  blind  ;  divine  love  is  exceeding  quick- sighted. 
Let  thy  faith  take  hold  of  thy  heart,  and  show  it  the 
sumptuous  buildings  of  thy  eternal  habitation,  and 
the  glorious  ornaments  of  thy  Father's  house,  even 
the  mansions  Christ  is  preparing,  and  the  honors  of 
his  kingdom ;  let  thy  faith  lead  thy  heart  into  the 
presence  of  God,  and  as  near  as  thou  possibly  canst, 
and  say  to  it,  "Behold  the  Ancient  of  Days,  the 
Lord  Jehovah,  whose  name  is,  I  AM:  this  is  he 
^vho  made  all  the  worlds  with  his  word,  who  up- 
holds the  earth,  who  rules  the  nations,  who  disposes 


360       '  AUXILIARIES  or 

of  all  events,  who  subdues  his  foes,  who  controls  the 
swelling  waves  of  the  sea,  who  governs  the  winds^ 
and  causes  the  sun  to  run  its  race,  and  the  stars  to 
Jvnow  their  courses.  This  is  he  who  loved  thee 
from  everlasting,  formed  thee  in  the  womb,  gave 
thee  this  soul,  brought  thee  forth,  shoAved  thee  the 
light,  and  ranked  thee  with  the  chief  of  his  earthly- 
creatures  ;  who  endued  thee  with  thy  understanding^ 
and  beautified  thee  with  his  gifts;  who  maintains 
thy  life  and  all  its  comforts,  and  distinguishes  thee 
from  the  most  miserable  and  vilest  of  men.  O  here 
is  an  object  worthy  thy  love  \  Here  shouldst  thou 
even  pour  out  thy  soul  in  love !  Here  it  is  impossi- 
ble for  thee  to  love  too  much !  This  is  the  Lord 
who  hath  blessed  thee  with  his  benefits,  •  spread  thy 
table  in  the  sight  of  thine  enemies,  and  made  thy 
cup  overflow  I'  This  is  he  whom  angels  and  saints 
praise,  and  the  heavenly  host  for  ever  magnify !" 
Thus  do  thou  expatiate  on  the  praises  of  God,  and 
open  his  excellencies  to  thine  heart,  till  the  holy  fire 
of  love  begins  to  kindle  in  thy  breast. 

If  thou  feelest  thy  love  not  yet  burn,  lead  thy  heart 
farther,  and  show  it  the  Son  of  the  living  God,  whose 
name  is  "  Wonderful,  Counsellor,  the  mighty  God, 
the  everlasting  Father,  the  Prince  of  peace :"  show 
it  the  King  of  saints  on  the  throne  of  his  glory,  "  the 
First  and  the  Last ;  who  is,  and  was,  and  is  to  comej 
who  liveth,  and  was  dead,  and  behold,  he  lives  for 
evermore;  whc  hath  made  thy  peace  by  the  blood 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  361 

of  his  cross,"  and  hath  prepared  thee  with  himself  a 
habitation  of  peace :  his  office  is  the  great  peace- 
maker ;  his  kingdom  is  the  kingdom  of  peace ;  his 
Gospel  is  the  tidings  of  peace ;  his  voice  to  thee  now 
IS  the  voice  of  peace  !  Draw  near,  and  behold  him. 
Dost  thou  not  hear  his  voice  ?  He  that  bade  Tho- 
mas come  near,  and  see  the  print  of  the  nails,  and 
put  his  finger  into  his  wounds ;  he  it  is  that  calls  to 
thee,  "  Come  near,  and  view  the  Lord  thy  Savior, 
and  be  not  faithless,  but  believing ;  peace  be  unto 
thee,  fear  not,  it  is  I.  Look  well  upon  him.  Dost 
thou  not  know  him  ?  It  is  he  that  brought  thee  uf 
from  the  pit  of  hell,  reversed  the  sentence  of  thy  dam- 
nation, bore  the  curse  which  thou  shouldst  have 
borne,  restored  thee  to  the  blessing  thou  hadst  for- 
feited, and  purchased  the  advancement  which  thou 
must  inherit  for  ever.  And  dost  thou  not  yet  know 
him  ?  His  hands  were  pierced,  his  head,  his  side, 
his  heart  were  pierced,  that  by  these  marks  thou 
mightst  always  know  him.  Dost  thou  not  remember 
when  he  "  found  thee  lying  in  thy  blood,  and  took 
pity  on  thee,  and  dressed  thy  wounds,  and  brought 
thee  home,  and  said  unto  thee.  Live!"  Hast  thou 
forgotten,  since  he  wounded  himself  to  cure  thy 
wounds,  and  let  out  his  own  blood  to  stop  thy  bleed- 
ing ?  If  thou  knowest  him  not  by  the  face,  the  voice, 
the  hands,  thou  mayst  know  him  by  that  heart ;  that 
soul-pitying  heart  is  his ;  it  can  be  none  but  his ; 
love  and  compgission  are  its  certain  signatures  :  this 

.S.     R.  31 


362  AUXILIARIES    OF 

is  he  who  chose  thy  life  before  his  own  ;  who  pleads 
his  blood  before  his  Father,  and  makes  continual  in- 
tercession for  thee.  If  he  had  not  suffered,  what 
hadst  thou  suffered  ?  There  was  but  a  step  between 
thee  and  hell,  when  he  stepped  in,  and  bore  the 
stroke.  And  is  not  here  fuel  enough  for  thy  love  to 
feed  on  ?  Doth  not  thy  throbbing  heart  stop  here  to 
ease  itself,  and,  like  Joseph,  "seek  for  a  place  to 
weep  in?"  or  do  not  the  tears  of  thy  love  bedev/ 
these  lines  ?  Go  on,  then,  for  the  field  of  love  is 
large;  it  will  be  thy  eternal  work  to  behold  and 
love ;  nor  needest  thou  want  work  for  thy  present 
meditation. 

How  often  hath  thy  Lord  found  thee,  like  Hagar, 
sitting,  and  weeping,  and  giving  up  thy  soul  for 
lost,  and  he  opened  to  thee  a  well  of  consolation, 
and  fi^'^o  opened  thine  eyes  to  see  it !  How  oftei), 
in  tb'  posture  of  Elijah,  desiring  to  die  out  of  th  i 
mis  y[y,  hath  he  spread  thee  a  table  of  unexpected 
relief,  and  sent  thee  on  his  work  refreshed  and  en- 
couraged !  How  often,  in  the  case  of  the  prophet's 
servant,  crying  out,  "  Alas,  what  shall  we  do,  for  a 
host  doth  encompass  us,"  hath  he  "  opened  thine 
eyes  to  see  more  for  thee  than  against  thee  !"  How 
often,  like  Jonah,  peevish,  and  weary  of  thy  life, 
hath  he  mildly  said,  "  Dost  thou  well  to  be  angrj'" 
with  me,  or  murmur  against  me  ?  How  often  hathi 
he  set  thee  on  "  watching  and  praying,"  repenting 
and  believing,  '•  and,  when  he  hath  returned,  hath 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  363 

found  thee  asleep;"  and  yet  he  hath  covered  thy 
neglect  with  a  mantle  of  love,  and  gently  pleaded 
for  thee,  that  "  the  spirit  is  willing,  but  the  flesh  is 
weak  !"  Can  thy  heart  be  cold  when  thou  thinkest 
of  this?  Can  it  contain,  when  thou  rememberest 
those  boundless  compassions  ?  Thus,  reader,  hold 
forth  the  goodness  of  Christ  to  thy  heart ;  plead  thus 
with  thy  frozen  soul,  till,  with  David,  thou  canst  say, 
"  My  heart  was  hot  within  me ;  while  I  was  musing, 
the  fire  burned."  If  this  will  not  rouse  up  thy  love, 
thou  hast  all  Christ's  personal  excellencies  to  add, 
all  his  particular  mercies  to  thyself,  all  his  sweet 
and  near  relations  to  thee,  and  the  happiness  of  thy 
everlasting  abode  with  him.  Only  follow  them  close 
to  thy  heart.  Deal  v/ith  it  as  Christ  did  with  Peter, 
when  he  thrice  asked  him,  "  Lovest  thou  me?"  till 
he  was  grieved,  and  answered,  "  Lord,  thou  know- 
est  that  I  love  thee  !"  So  grieve  and  shame  thy  heart 
out  of  its  stupidity,  till  thou  canst  truly  say,  "  I  know 
and  my  Lord  knows,  that  I  love  him." 

2.  The  next  affection  to  be  excited  in  heavenly 
contemplation  is  desire.  The  object  of  it  is  goodness 
considered  as  absent,  or  not  yet  attained.  If  love  be 
hot,  desire  will  not  be  cold.  Think  with  thyself, 
*'  What  have  I  seen  !  O  the  incomprehensible  glory ! 
O  the  transcendent  beauty !  O  blessed  souls  that  now 
enjoy  it !  who  see  a  thousand  times  more  clearly 
what  I  have  seen  at  a  distance,  and  through  dark, 
interposing  clouds.    What  a  difference  between  my 


364  AUXILIARIES    OF 

State  and  theirs  !  I  am  si^rhing,  and  they  are  sinew- 
ing ;  I  am  offending,  and  they  are  pleasing  God. 
I  am  a  spectacle  of  pity,  like  a  Job  or  Lazarus  ;  but 
they  are  perfect,  and  without  blemish.  I  am  here 
entangled  in  the  love  of  the  world,  while  they  are 
swallowed  up  in  the  love  of  God.  They  have  none 
of  my  cares  and  fears ;  they  weep  not  in  secret ;  they 
languish  not  in  sorrows;  these  'tears  are  wiped 
away  from  their  eyes.'  O  happy,  a  thousand  times 
happy  souls  !  Alas,  that  I  must  dwell  in  sinful  flesh, 
when  my  brethren  and  companions  dwell  with  God ! 
How  far  out  of  sight  and  reach  of  their  high  enjoy- 
ment do  I  here  live !  What  poor  feeble  thoughts 
have  I  of  God  !  What  cold  affections  toward  him  I 
How  little  have  I  of  that  life,  that  love,  that  joy,  in 
which  they  continually  live !  How  soon  doth  that 
little  depart,  and  leave  me  in  thicker  darkness !  Now 
and  then  a  spark  falls  upon  my  heart,  and,  while  t 
gaze  upon  it,  it  dies,  or  rather,  my  cold  heart 
quenches  it.  But  they  have  their  '  light  in  his  light,' 
and  drink  continually  at  the  spring  of  joys.  Here 
we  are  vexing  each  other  wath  quarrels,  when  they 
are  of  one  heart  and  voice,  and  daily  sound  forth 
the  hallelujahs  of  heaven  with  perfect  harmony.  O 
what  a  feast  hath  my  faith  beheld,  and  what  a  famine 
is  yet  in  my  spirit !  O  blessed  souls  !  I  may  not,  I 
dare  not,  envy  your  happiness ;  I  rather  rejoice  in 
my  brethren's  prosperity,  and  am  glad  to  think  of 
the  day  when  T  shall  be  admitted  into  your  fellow- 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  365 

ship.  I  wish  not  to  displace  you,  but  to  be  so  happy 
as  to  be  with  you.  Why  must  I  stay,  and  weep,  and 
wait  ?  My  Lord  is  gone ;  He  hath  left  this  earth, 
and  is  entered  into  his  glory:  my  brethren  are  gone ; 
my  friends  are  there ;  my  house,  my  hope,  my  all 
is  there.  When  I  am  so  far  distant  from  my  God, 
wonder  not  what  aileth  me,  if  I  now  complain  ;  an 
ignorant  Micah  will  do  so  for  his  idol,  and  shall  not 
my  soul  do  so  for  the  living  God  7  Had  I  no  hope 
of  enjoyment,  I  would  go  and  hide  myself  in  the  de- 
certs,  and  lie  and  howl  in  some  obscure  wilderness, 
and  spend  my  days  in  fruitless  wishes ;  but  since  it 
is  the  land  of  my  appointed  rest,  and  the  state  I  must 
myself  be  advanced  to,  and  my  soul  draws  near,  and 
IS  almost  at  it,  I  will  lo^e  and  long,  I  will  look  and 
desire,  I  will  be  breathing,  *  How  long.  Lord  I  how 
long  wilt  thou  suffer  this  soul  to  pant  and  groan, 
and  not  open  to  him  who  waits,  and  longs  to  be  with 
thee !'  "  Thus,  Christian  reader,  let  thy  thoughts 
aspire,  till  thy  soul  longs,  as  David,  "  O  that  one 
would  give  me  to  drink  of  the  wells  of  salvation  !" 
And  till  thou  canst  say,  as  he  did,  "  I  have  longed 
for  thy  salvation,  O  Lord  !"  And  as  the  mother  and 
brethren  of  Christ,  when  they  could  not  come  at 
him  because  of  the  multitude,  sent  to  him,  saying, 
"  Thy  mother  and  brethren  stand  without,  desiring 
to  see  thee ;"  so  let  thy  message  to  him  be,  and  he 
will  own  thee ;  for  he  hath  said,  "  They  that  hear 
my  word,  and  do  it,  are  my  mother  and  my  brethren." 
s.   R.  31* 


366  AUXILIARIES    OF 

3.  Another  aflection  to  be  exercised  in  heavenly 
contemplation,  is  hope.  This  helps  to  support  the 
soul  under  sufferings,  animates  it  to  the  greatest  dif- 
ficulties, gives  it  firmness  in  the  most  shaking  trials, 
enlivens  it  in  duties,  and  is  the  very  spring  that  sets 
all  the  wheels  a-going.  Who  would  believe,  or  strive 
for  heaven,  if  it  were  not  for  the  hope  that  he  hath 
to  obtain  it  ?  Who  would  pray,  but  for  the  hope  to 
prevail  with  God  ?  If  your  hope  dies,  your  duties 
die,  your  endeavors  die,  your  joys  die,  and  your 
soul  dies.  And  if  your  hope  be  not  in  exercise,  but 
asleep,  it  is  next  to  dead.  Therefore,  Christian  read- 
er, when  thou  art  winding  up  thy  affections  to  hea 
ven,  forget  not  to  give  one  lift  to  thy  hope.  Think 
thus,  and  reason  thus  with  thy  own  heart :  "  Why 
should  I  not  confidently  and  comfortably  hope,  when 
my  soul  is  in  the  hands  of  so  compassionate  a  Sa- 
vior, and  when  the  kingdom  is  at  the  disposal  of  so 
bountiful  a  God  ?  Did  he  ever  discover  the  least 
backwardness  to  my  good,  or  inclination  to  my  ruin  ? 
Hath  he  not  sworn,  that  '  he  delights  not  in  the 
death  of  him  that  dieth,  but  rather  that  he  should 
repent  and  live?'  Have  not  all  his  dealings  wit- 
nessed the  same  ?  Did  he  not  mind  me  of  my  dan- 
ger when  I  never  feared  it,  because  he  would  have 
me  escape  it  1  Did  he  not  mind  me  of  my  happiness 
when  I  had  no  thougnts  of  it,  because  he  would  have 
me  enjoy  it  ?  How  often  hath  he  drawn  me  to  him- 
self, and  his  Christ,  when  I  have  drawn  backward  ' 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  367 

How  hath  his  Spirit  incessantly  solicited  my  heart! 
And  would  he  have  done  all  this,  if  he  had  been 
willing  that  I  should  perish  ?  Should  I  not  hope,  if 
an  honest  man  had  promised  me  something  in  his 
power  ?  And  shall  I  not  hope,  when  I  have  the  co- 
venant and  oath  of  God  ?  It  is  true,  the  glory  is  out 
of  sight ;  we  have  not  beheld  the  mansions  of  the 
saints ;  but  is  not  the  promise  of  God  mor^  certain 
than  our  sight  ?  We  must  not  be  saved  by  sight, 
but  '  by  hope ;  and  hope  that  is  seen,  is  not  hope  ; 
for  what  a  man  seeth,  why  doth  he  yet  hope  for  it  ? 
But  if  we  hope  for  that  we  see  not,  then  do  we  with 
patience  wait  for  it.'  I  have  been  ashamed  of  my 
hope  in  an  arm  of  flesh,  but  hope  in  the  promise  of 
God  '  maketh  not  ashamed.'  In  my  greatest  suffer- 
ings I  will  say,  '  The  Lord  is  my  portion ;  there- 
fore will  I  hope  in  him.  The  Lord  is  good  unto 
them  that  wait  for  liim,  to  the  soul  that  seeketh  him. 
It  is  good  that  a  man  should  both  hope  and  quietly 
wait  for  the  sah-ation  of  the  Lord ;  for  the  Lord  will 
not  cast  off  for  ever ;  but  though  he  cause  grief,  yet 
will  he  have  compassion,  according  to  the  multitude 
of  his  mercies.'  Though  I  languish  and  die,  yet  will 
I  hope ;  for  '  the  righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death.' 
Though  r  must  lie  down  in  dust  and  darkness,  yet 
there  '  my  flesh  shall  rest  in  hope.'  And  when  my 
flesh  hath  nothing  to  rejoice  in,  yet  will  I  '  hold  fast 
the  rejoicing  of  the  hope  firm  unto  the  end ;'  for 
•  the  hope  of  the  righteous  shall  be  gladness.'     In- 


368  AUXILIARIES    OF 

deed,  if  I  was  myself  to  satisfy  divine  justice,  then 
there  had  been  no  hope ;  but  Christ  hath  '  brought 
in  a  better  hope,  by  the  which  we  draw  nigh  unto 
God.'  Or,  if  I  had  to  do  with  a  feeble  creature, 
there  were  small  hope ;  for  how  could  he  raise  this 
body  from  the  dust,  and  lift  me  above  the  sun  ?  But 
what  is  this  to  the  Almighty  Power  which  made  the 
heavens  and  the  earth  out  of  nothing  ?  Cannot  that 
power  which  raised  Christ  from  the  dead,  raise  me? 
and  that  which  hath  glorified  the  Head,  glorify  also 
the  members  ?  '  Doubtless,  by  the  blood  of  his  cove- 
nant, God  will  send  forth  his  prisoners  out  of  the  pit, 
wherein  is  no  water :'  therefore  will  I  '  turn  to  the 
strong  hold,  as  a  prisoner  of  hope.'  " 

4.  Courage,  or  boldness,  is  another  affection  to  be 
exercised  in  heavenly  contemplation :  it  leadeth  to 
resolution,  and  concludeth  in  action.  When  you  have 
raised  your  love,  desire,  and  hope,  go  on,  and  think 
thus  with  yourself:  "Will  God  indeed  dwell  with 
men  ?  And  is  there  such  a  glory  within  the  reacli 
of  hope  ?  Why  then  do  I  not  lay  hold  upon  it  ? 
Where  is  the  cheerful  vigor  of  my  spirit  ?  Why  do 
I  not  '  gird  up  the  loins  of  my  mind  V  Why  do  I 
not  set  upon  my  enemies  on  every  side,  and  valiantly 
break  through  all  resistance  ?  What  should  stop  me, 
or  intimidate  me  ?  Is  God  with  me,  or  against  me, 
in  the  work  ?  Will  Christ  stand  by  me,  or  will  he 
not  ?  •  If  God  and  Christ  be  for  me,  who  can  be 
against  me  V    In  the  work  of  sin,  almost  all  things 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  369 

are  ready  to  help  us,  and  only  God  and  his  servants 
are  against  us  ;  yet  how  ill  doth  that  work  prosper 
in  our  hands !  But  in  my  course  to  heaven,  almost 
all  things  are  against  me,  but  God  is  for  me ;  and 
therefore  how  happily  doth  the  work  succeed  !  Do 
I  set  upon  this  work  in  my  own  strength,  or  rather 
in  the  strength  of  Christ  my  Lord  ?  And  '  cannot 
I  do  all  things  through  him  that  strengthens  me  V 
Was  he  ever  foiled  by  an  enemy  ?  He  hath  indeed 
been  assaulted,  but  was  he  ever  conquered  ?  Why, 
then,  doth  my  flesh  urge  me  with  the  difficulties  of 
the  work  ?  Is  any  thing  too  hard  for  Omnipotence  ? 
May  not  Peter  boldly  walk  on  the  sea,  if  Christ  give 
the  word  of  command  ?  If  he  begin  to  sink,  is  it  from 
the  weakness  of  Christ,  or  from  the  smallness  of  his 
faith  ?  Do  I  not  well  deserve  to  be  turned  into  hell, 
if  mortal  threats  can  drive  me  thither?  Do  I  not 
well  deserve  to  be  shut  out  of  heaven,  if  I  will  be 
frightened  from  thence  with  the  reproach  of  tongues  ? 
What  if  it  were  father,  or  mother,  or  husband,  or 
wife,  or  the  nearest  friend  I  have  in  the  world,  if 
they  may  be  called  friends,  that  would  draw  me  to 
damnation,  should  I  not  forsake  all  that  would  keep 
me  from  Christ  ?  Will  their  friendship  countervail 
the  enmity  of  God,  or  be  any  comfort  to  my  con- 
demned soul  ?  Shall  I  be  yielding  to  the  desires  of 
men,  and  only  harden  myself  against  the  Lord?  Let 
them  beseech  me  upon  their  knees,  I  will  scorn  to 
stop  my  course  to  behold  them,  I  will  shut  my  ears 


370  1  AUXILIARIES    OF 

to  their  cries:  let  them  flatter  or  frown,  let  them 
draw  out  tongues  and  swords  against  me ;  I  am  re- 
solved, in  the  strength  of  Christ,  to  break  through, 
and  look  upon  them  as  dust.  If  they  would  entice 
me  with  preferment,  even  with  the  kingdoms  of  the 
world,  I  will  no  more  regard  them  than  the  dung  of 
the  earth.  O  blessed  rest !  O  glorious  state !  Who 
would  sell  thee  for  dreams  and  shadows  ?  Who 
would  be  enticed  or  affrighted  from  thee  ?  Who  would 
not  strive,  and  fight,  and  watch,  and  run,  and  that 
with  violence,  even  to  the  last  breath,  in  order  to  ob- 
tain thee  ?  Surely  none  but  those  that  know  thee 
not,  and  believe  not  thy  glory." 

5.  The  last  affection  to  be  exercised  in  heavenly 
contemplation,  is  joy.  Love,  desire,  hope,  and  cou- 
rage, all  tend  to  raise  our  joy.  This  is  so  desirable 
to  every  man  by  nature,  and  so  essentially  necessary 
to  constitute  our  happiness,  that  I  hope  I  need  not 
say  much  to  persuade  you  to  any  thing  that  would 
make  your  life  delightful.  Supposing  you,  there- 
fore, already  convinced  that  the  pleasures  of  the  flesh 
are  brutish  and  perishing,  that  your  solid  and  lasting 
joy  must  be  from  heaven,  instead  of  persuading,  I 
shall  proceed  in  directing.  Reader,  if  thou  hast 
managed  well  the  former  work,  thou  art  got  within 
sight  of  thy  rest ;  thou  believest  the  truth  of  it ;  thou 
art  convinced  of  its  excellencies ;  thou  art  fallen  in 
love  with  it ;  thou  longest  after  it ;  thou  hopest  for 
it ;  and  thou  art  resolved  to  venture  courageously 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  371 

for  obtaining  it.  But  is  here  any  work  for  joy  in 
this  ?  We  delight  in  the  good  we  possess  ;  it  is  pre- 
sent good  that  is  the  object  of  joy ;  and  thou  wilt  say, 
"Alas,  I  am  yet  without  it!"  But  think  a  little  fur- 
ther with  thyself  Is  it  nothing  to  have  a  deed  of 
gift  from  God  ?  Are  his  infallible  promises  no  grouna 
of  joy?  Is  it  nothing  to  live  in  daily  expectation  of 
entering  into  the  kingdom?  Is  not  my  assurance  of 
being  hereafter  glorified,  a  sufficient  ground  for  in- 
expressible joy  ?  Is  it  not  a  delight  to  the  heir  of  a 
kingdom  to  think  of  what  he  must  soon  possess, 
though  at  present  he  little  differ  from  a  servant? 
Have  we  not  both  command  and  example  for  "  re- 
joicing in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God?" 

Here  then,  reader,  take  thy  heart  once  more,  and 
carry  it  to  the  top  of  the  highe.st  mount ;  show  it  the 
kingdom  of  Christ,  and  the  glory  of  it ;  and  say  to  it, 
"  All  this  will  thy  Lord  give  thee,  who  hast  believed 
in  him,  and  been  a  worshiper  of  him.  '  It  is  the  Fa- 
ther's good  pleasure  to  give  thee  this  kingdom.' 
Seest  thou  this  astonishing  glory  which  is  above 
thee  ?  All  this  is  thy  own  inheritance.  This  crown 
is  thine,  these  pleasures  are  thine ;  this  company, 
this  beautiful  place,  all  are  thin^;  because  thou  art 
Christ's,  and  Christ  is  thine ;  when  thou  wast  unit- 
ed to  him,  thou  hadst  all  these  with  him."  Thus 
take  thy  heart  into  the  land  of  promise ;  show  it  the 
pleasant  hills  and  fruitful  valleys ;  show  it  the  clus- 
ters of  grapes  which  thou  hast  gathered,  to  convince 


37^         '  AUXILIARIES    OF 

it  that  it  is  a  blessed  land,  flowing  with  better  than 
milk  and  honey.  Enter  the  gates  of  the  holy  city, 
walk  through  the  streets  of  the  *'  New  Jerusalem, 
walk  about  Sion,  and  go  round  about  her ;  tell  the 
towers  thereof;  mark  well  her  bulwarks  ;  consider 
her  palaces ;  that  thou  mayst  tell  it  to  "  thy  soul. 
Hath  it  not  "  the  glory  of  God,"  and  is  not  "  her 
light  like  unto  a  stone  most  precious,  even  like  a 
jasper  stone,  clear  as  crystal  ?"  See  the  "  twelve 
foundations  of  her  walls,  and  in  them  the  names  of 
the  twelve  apostles  of  the  Lamb.  And  the  building 
of  the  walls  of  it  are  of  jasper ;  and  the  city  is  pure 
gold,  like  unto  clear  glass ;  and  the  foundations  are 
garnished  with  all  manner  of  precious  stones.  And 
the  twelve  gates  are  twelve  pearls,  every  several  gate 
is  of  one  pearl,  and  the  street  of  the  city  is  pure  gold, 
as  it  w^ere  transparent  glass  ;  there  is  no  temple  in  it, 
for  the  Lord  God  Almighty,  and  the  Lamb,  are  the 
temple  of  it.  It  hath  no  need  of  the  sun,  neither  of 
the  moon  in  it,  for  the  glory  of  God  doth  lighten  it, 
and  the  Lamb  is  the  light  thereof:  and  the  nations 
of  them  which  are  saved  shall  walk  in  the  light  of  it. 
These  sayings  are  faithful  and  true ;  and  the  Lord 
God  of  the  holy  prophets  sent  his  angels,"  and  his 
own  Son,  "to  shmv  unto  his  servants  the  things 
which  must  shortly  be  done."  Say  now  to  all  this, 
"  This  is  thy  rest,  O  my  soul  !  and  this  must  be  the 
place  of  thy  everlasting  habitation."  Let  all  the  sons 
of  "  Sion  rejoice  ;  let  the  daughters  of  Jerusalem  be 


HEAVEKLY    CONTEMPLATION.  373 

glad;  for  great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  praised 
in  the  city  of  our  God,  in  the  mountain  of  his  holiness. 
Beautiful  for  situation,  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth,  is 
Mount  Sion.  God  is  known  in  her  palaces  for  a 
refuge." 

Yet  proceed  on ;  the  soul  that  loves,  ascends  fre 
quently,  and  runs  familiarly  through  the  streets  of 
the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  visiting  the  patriarchs  and 
prophets,  saluting  the  apostles,  and  admiring  the  ar- 
mies of  martyrs ;  so  do  thou  lead  on  thy  heart  as 
from  street  to  street ;  bring  it  into  the  palace  of  the 
Great  King ;  lead  it,  as  it  were,  from  chamber  to 
•chamber.  Say  to  it,  "  Here  must  I  lodge ;  here 
tr.ust  I  live ;  here  must  I  praise ;  here  must  I  love, 
•and  be  beloved.  I  must  shortly  be  one  of  this  hea- 
venly choir,  and  be  better  skilled  in  the  music. 
Among  this  blessed  company  must  I  take  up  my 
place ;  my  voice  must  join  to  make  up  the  melody. 
My  tears  will  then  be  wiped  away ;  my  groans  be 
turned  to  another  tune ;  my  cottage  of  clay  be 
changed  to  this  palace ;  my  prison  rags  to  these 
splendid  robes  ;  and  my  sordid  flesh  shall  be  put  ofi^ 
and  such  a  sunlike,  spiritual  body  be  put  on ;  '  for 
the  former  things  are  here  passed  away.'  '  Glorious 
things  are  Spoken  of  thee,  O  city  of  God  !'  When  I 
look  upon  this  glorious  place,  what  a  dunghill  and 
dungeon  methinks  is  earth  !  O  what  di^erence  be- 
twixt a  man,  feeble,  pained,  groaning,  djdng,  rotting 
in  the  grave,  and  one  of  these  triumphant,  shining^ 

5;.   R.  32 


37*4  1  AUXILIARIES    OF 

saints  !  Here  shall  I  '  drink  of  the  river  of  plea- 
sures, the  streams  whereof  make  glad  the  city  of 
God.'  Must  Israel,  under  the  bondage  of  the  law, 
•  serve  the  Lord  Avith  joyfulness,  and  with  gladness 
of  heart,  for  the  abundance  of  all  things?'  Surely  I 
shall  serve  him  with  joyfulness  and  gladness  of 
heart  for  the  abundance  of  glory.  Did  persecute;! 
saints  'take  joyfully  the  spoiling  of  their  goods!' 
And  shall  not  I  take  joyfully  such  a  full  reparation 
of  all  my  losses  ?  Was  it  a  celebrated  '  day  wherein 
the  Jews  rested  from  their  enemies,'  because  it  '  wa.-s 
turned  unto  them  from  sorrow  to  joy,  and  from 
mourning  into  a  good  day  V  What  a  day,  then,  will 
that  be  to  my  soul,  whose  rest  and  change  will  be 
inconceivably  greater  !  '  When  the  wise  men  saw 
the  star'  that  led  to  Christ,  'ihey  rejoiced  with  ex- 
ceeding great  joy ;'  but  I  shall  shortly  see  him,  who 
is  himself '  the  bright  and  morning  Star.'  If  the  dis- 
ciples '  departed  from  the  sepulchre  with  great  joy,' 
when  they  had  but  heard  that  their  Lord  '  Avas  risen 
from  the  dead  ;'  what  will  be  my  joy,  when  I  shall 
see  him  reigning  in  glory,  and  myself  raised  to  a 
blessed  communion  with  him  !  Then  shall  I  indeed 
have  '  beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning, 
and  the  garrnent  of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness; 
and  Sion  shall  be  made  an  eternal  excellency,  a  joy 
of  many  generations.'  Why,  then,  do  I  not  arise  from 
the  dust,  and  cease  my  complaints  ?  Why  do  I  not 
trample  on  vain  delights,  and  feed  on  the  foreseen 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  375 

delights  of  glory  ?  Why  is  not  my  life  a  continual 
joy,  and  the  savor  of  heaven  perpetually  upon  my 
spirit?" 

Let  me  here  observe,  that  there  is  no  necessity  to 
exercise  these  affections,  either  exactly  in  this  order, 
or  all  at  one  time.  Sometimes  one  of  thy  affections 
may  need  more  exciting,  or  may  be  more  lively  than 
the  rest ;  or,  if  thy  time  be  short,  one  may  be  exercised 
one  day,  and  another  upon  the  next ;  all  which  must 
be  left  to  thy  prudence  to  determine;  Thou  hast  also 
an  opportunity,  if  inclined  to  make  use  of  it,  to  exer- 
cise opposite  and  more  mixed  affections;  such  as 
hatred  of  sin,  which  would  deprive  thy  soul  of  these 
immortal  joys  ;  godly  fear,  lest  thou  shouldst  abuse 
thy  mercy;  godly  shame  and  grief,  for  having  abused 
it ;  unfeigned  repentance ;  self-indignation  ;  jealousy 
over  thy  heart ;  and  pity  for  those  who  are  in  danger 
of  losing  these  immortal  joys. 

Thirdly.  We  are  also  to  take  notice  how  heaven- 
ly contemplation  is  promoted  by  soliloquy  and  pray- 
er. Though  consideration  be  the  chief  instrument 
in  this  work,  yet,  by  itself,  it  is  not  so  likely  to  affect 
the  heart.  In  this  respect,  contemplation  is  like 
preaching,  where  the  mere  explaining  of  truths  and 
duties  is  seldom  attended  with  such  success  as  the 
lively  application  of  them  to  the  conscience ;  and  es- 
pecially when  a  divine  blessing  is  earnestly  sought 
to  accompany  such  application. 

1.  By  soliloqu}',  or  a  pleading  the  case  with  thy 


376  '  AUXILIARIES    OF 

self,  thou  must  in  thy  meditation  quicken  thy  own 
heart.  Enter  into  a  serious  debate  Avith  it.  Plead 
with  it  in  the  most  moving  and  affecting  language, 
and  urge  it  with  the  most  powerful  and  weighty  ar- 
guments. It  is  what  holy  men  of  God  have  prac- 
ticed in  all  ages.  Thus  David :  "  Why  art  thou 
cast  down,  O  my  soul  ?  and  why  art  thou  disquieted 
within  me  ?  Hope  thou  in  God ;  for  I  shall  yet  praise 
him,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and  my 
God."  And  again :  "  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ! 
and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless  his  holy  name  !  Bless 
the  Lord,  O  my  soul !  and  forget  not  all  his  bene- 
fits !"  This  soliloquy  is  to  be  made  use  of  accord- 
ing to  the  several  affections  of  the  soul,  and  accord- 
ing to  its  several  necessities.  It  is  a  preaching  to 
one's  self;  for  as  every  good  master  or  father  of  a 
family  is  a  good  preacher  to  his  own  family,  so  every 
good  Christian  is  a  good  preacher  to  his  own  soul. 
Therefore  the  very  same  method  which  a  minister 
should  use  in  his  preaching  to  others,  every  Chris- 
tian should  endeavor  after  in  speaking  to  himself. 
Observe  the  matter  and  manner  of  the  most  heart- 
affecting  minister ;  let  him  be  as  a  pattern  for  your 
imitation ;  and  the  same  way  that  he  takes  with  the 
hearts  of  his  people,  do  thou  also  take  with  thy  own 
heart.  Do  this  in  thy  heavenly  contemplation  ;  ex- 
plain to  thyself  the  things  on  which  thou  dost  medi- 
tate ;  confirm  thy  faith  in  them  by  Scripture ;  and 
then  apply  them  to  thyself,  according  to  their  nature 


HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION.  377 

and  thy  own  necessity.  There  is  no  need  to  object 
against  this,  from  a  sense  of  thy  own  inability.  Doth 
not  God  command  thee  to  "  teach  the  Scriptures  dili- 
gently unto  thy  children,  and  talk  of  them  when 
thou  sittest  in  thine  house,  and  when  thou  walkest 
by  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down,  and  when 
thou  risest  up  ?"  And  if  thou  must  have  some  abi- 
lity to  teach  thy  children,  much  more  to  teach  thy- 
self; and  if  thou  canst  talk  of  divine  things  to  others, 
why  not  also  to  thy  own  heart  ? 

2.  Heavenly  contemplation  is  also  promoted  by 
speaking  to  God  in  prayer,  as  well  as  by  speaking 
to  ourselves  in  soliloquy.  Ejaculatory  prayer  may 
very  properly  be  mixed  with  meditation,  as  a  part 
of  the  duty.  How  often  do  we  find  David,  in  the 
same  psalm,  sometimes  pleading  with  his  soul,  and 
sometimes  with  God  !  The  apostle  bids  us  "  speak 
to  ourselves  in  psalms,  and  hymns,  and  spiritual 
songs ;"  and  no  doubt  we  may  also  speak  to  God  in 
them.  This  keeps  the  soul  sensible  of  the  divine 
presence,  and  tends  greatly  to  quicken  and  raise  it. 
As  God  is  the  highest  object  of  our  thoughts,  so  our 
viewing  him,  speaking  to  him,  and  pleading  with 
him,  more  elevates  the  soul  and  excites  the  affec- 
tions than  any  other  part  of  meditation.  Though  we 
remain  unaffected  while  we  plead  the  case  with 
ourselves  ;  yet,  when  we  turn  our  speech  to  God,  it 
may  strike  us  with  awe  :  and  the  holiness  and  ma» 
jesty  of  him  whom  we  speak  to,  may  cause  both  the 
s.  R.  32* 


178 


AUXILIARIES,    &c 


matter  and  words  to  pierce  the  deeper.  When  we 
read  that  "  Isaac  went  out  to  meditate  in  the  field," 
the  margin  says,  "  to  pray  ;"  for  the  Hebrew  word 
signifies  both.  Thus,  in  our  meditations,  to  inter- 
mix soliloquy  and  prayer,  sometimes  speaking  to  our 
own  hearts,  and  sometimes  to  God,  is,  I  apprehend, 
the  highest  step  we  can  advance  to  in  this  heavenly 
work.  Nor  should  we  imagine  it  will  be  as  well  to 
take  up  with  prayer  alone,  and  lay  aside  meditation  ; 
for  they  are  distinct  duties,  and  must  both  of  them 
be  performed.  We  need  one  as  well  as  the  other, 
and  therefore  shall  wrong  ourselves  by  neglecting 
either.  Besides,  the  mixture  of  them,  like  music, 
will  be  more  engaging ;  as  the  one  serves  to  put 
life  into  the  other.  And  our  speaking  to  ourselves 
in  meditation,  should  go  before  our  speaking  to  God 
in  prayer.  For  want  of  attending  to  this  due  or- 
der, men  speak  to  God  with  far  less  reverence  and 
affection  than  they  would  speak  to  an  angel,  if  he 
should  appear  to  them;  or  to  a  judge,  if  they  were 
speaking  for  their  lives.  Speaking  to  the  God  of 
heaven  in  prayer,  is  a  weightier  duty  than  most  are 
aware  of. 


CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED,    &c.  379 


CHAPTER  XV. 

HEAVENLY   CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED    BY   SENSIBLE   OBJECTS, 
AND   GUARDED   AGAINST   A   TREACHEROUS   HEART. 

M  IS  difficult  to  maintain  a  lively  impression  of  heavenly 
things  :  therefore,  I.  Heavenly  contemplation  may  be  assist^ 
ed  by  sens'Me  objects  ;  1.  If  we  dravj  strong  suppositions  from 
sense ;  and,  2.  if  tee  compare  the  objects  of  sense  with  the  ob- 
jects of  faith.  II.  Heaveidy  contemplation  may  also  be  guard, 
ed  against  a  treacherous  heart,  by  consideriiig ,  1.  The 
great  backwardness  of  the  heart  to  this  duty ;  2.  its  trifling 
in  it ;  3.  its  wandering  fror.i  it ;  and,  4.  its  too  abruptly 
putting  an  end  to  it. 

The  most  difficult  part  of  heavenly  contempla- 
tion is,  to  maintain  a  lively  sense  of  heavenly  things 
upon  our  hearts.  It  is  easier  merely  to  think  of 
heaven  a  whole  day,  than  to  be  lively  and  affection- 
ate in  those  thoughts  a  quarter  of  an  hour.  Faith 
is  imperfect — for  we  are  renewed  but  in  part — and 
goes  against  a  world  of  resistance ;  and,  being  su- 
pernatural, is  prone  to  decline  and  languish,  unless 
it  be  continually  excited.  Sense  is  strong  according 
to  the  strength  of  the  flesh  ;  and,  being  natural,  con- 
tinues while  nature  continues.  The  objects  of  faith 
are  far  off;  but  those  of  sense  are  nigh.  We  must  go 
as  far  as  heaven  for  our  joys.  To  rejoice  in  what 
we  never  saw,  nor  ever  knew  the  man  that  did 
see,  and  this  upon  a  mere  promise  in  the  Bible,  is 


380  CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

not  so  easy  as  to  rejoice  in  what  we  see  and  pos- 
sess. It  must,  therefore,  be  a  point  of  spiritual  pru- 
dence, to  call  in  sense  to  the  assistance  of  faith.  It 
will  be  a  good  work,  if  we  can  make  friends  of  these 
usual  enemies,  and  make  them  instruments  for  rais- 
ing us  to  God,  which  are  so  often  the  means  of 
drawing  us  from  him.  Why  hath  God  given  us 
either  our  sense  or  their  common  objects,  if  they 
might  not  be  serviceable  to  his  praise  ?  Why  doth 
the  Holy  Spirit  describe  the  glory  of  the  New  Jeru- 
salem in  expressions  that  are  even  grateful  to  the 
flesh  ?  Is  it  that  we  might  think  heaven  to  be  made 
of  gold  and  pearl?  or  that  saints  and  angels  eat 
and  drink  ?  No,  but  to  help  us  to  conceive  of  them 
as  we  are  able,  and  to  use  these  borrowed  phrases 
as  a  glass,  in  which  we  must  see  the  things  them- 
selves imperfectly  represented,  till  we  come  to  an 
immediate  and  perfect  sight.  And,  besides  showing 
how  heavenly  contemplation  may  be  assisted  by 
sensible  objects,  this  chapter  will  also  show  how  it 
may  be  preserved  from  a  wandering  heart. 

First.  In  order  that  heavenly  contemplation  may 
be  assisted  by  sensible  objects,  let  me  only  advise  to 
draw  strong  suppositions  from  sense,  and  to  com- 
pare the  objects  of  sense  with  the  objects  of  faith. 

1.  For  the  helping  of  thy  affections  in  heavenly 
contemplation,  draw  as  strong  suppositions  as  possi- 
ble from  thy  senses.  Think  on  the  joys  above,  as 
boldly  as  Scripture  hath  expressed  them.     Bring 


BY    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  381 

down  thy  conceptions  to  the  reach  of  sense.  Both 
love  and  joy  are  promoted  by  familiar  acquaintance. 
When  we  attempt  to  think  of  God  and  glory,  with- 
out the  Scripture's  manner  of  representing"  them,  we 
are  lost,  and  have  nothing  to  fix  our  thoughts  upon  ; 
Ave  set  them  so  far  from  us,  that  our  thoughts  are 
strange,  and  we  are  ready  to  say,  what  is  above  us 
is  nothing  to  us.  To  conceive  of  God  and  glory 
only  as  above  our  conception,  will  beget  but  little 
love;  or  above  our  love,  will  produce  little  joy. 
Therefore  put  Christ  no  farther  from  you  than  he 
hath  put  himself,  lest  the  divine  nature  be  again  in- 
accessible. Think  of  Christ  as  in  our  own  glorified 
nature.  Think  of  glorified  saints  as  men  made  per- 
iect.  Suppose  thyself  a  companion  with  John,  in 
his  survey  of  the  New  Jerusalem,  and  viewing  the 
thrones,  the  majesty,  the  heavenly  hosts,  the  shining 
splendor  which  he  saw.  Suppose  thyself  his  fellow- 
traveler  into  the  celestial  kingdom,  and  that  thou 
hadst  seen  all  the  saints  in  their  white  robes,  with 
•'  palms  in  their  hands  ;"  and  that  thou  hadst  heard 
those  "  songs  of  Moses  and  of  the  Lamb."  If  thou 
hadst  really  seen  and  heard  these  things,  in  what  a 
rapture  wouldst  thou  have  been  !  And  the  more  se- 
riously thou  puttest  this  supposition  to  thyself,  the 
more  will  thy  meditation  elevate  thy  heart.  Do  not, 
like  the  Papists,  draw  them  in  pictures  !  but  get  the 
liveliest  picture  of  them  in  thy  mind  that  thou  possi- 
bly canst,  by  contemplating  the  Scripture  account  of 


382  CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

them,  til]  thou  canst  say,  "  Methinks  I  see  a  glimpse 
of  glory  !  Methinks  I  hear  the  shouts  of  joy  and 
praise,  and  even  stand  by  Abraham  and  David,  Pe- 
ter and  Paul,  and  other  triumphant  souls  !  Methinks 
I  even  see  the  Son  of  God  appearing  in  the  clouds, 
and  the  world  standing  at  his  bar  to  receive  their 
doom ;  and  hear  him  say,  '  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my 
Father ;'  and  see  them  go  rejoicing  into  the  joy  of 
their  Lord  !  My  very  dreams  of  these  things  have 
sometimes  greatly  affected  me  ;  and  should  not  these 
just  suppositions  much  more  affect  me?  What  if  I 
had  seen,  with  Paul,  those  'unutterable  things?' 
Or,  with  Stephen,  had  seen  'heaven  opened,  and 
Christ  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of  God  V  Surely 
that  one  sight  was  worth  his  storm  of  stones.  What 
if  I  had  seen,  as  Micaiah  did,  '  the  Lord  sitting  upon 
his  throne,  and  all  the  host  of  heaven  standing  on  his 
right  hand,  and  on  his  left  V  Such  things  did  these 
men  of  God  see ;  and  I  shall  shortly  see  far  more 
than  ever  they  saw,  till  they  were  loosed  from  the 
flesh,  as  I  must  be."  Thus  you  see  how  it  excites 
our  affections  in  this  heavenly  Avork,  if  we  make 
strong  and  familiar  suppositions,  from  our  bodily 
senses,  concerning  the  state  of  blessedness,  as  the 
Spirit  hath  in  condescending  language  expressed  it, 
2.  The  other  way  in  which  our  senses  may  pro- 
mote this  heavenly  work,  is  by  comparing  the  ob- 
jects of  sense  with  the  objects  of  faith.  As  for  in- 
stance: You  may  strongly  argue  with  ycur  hearts 


BY    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  383 

from  the  corrupt  delights  of  senBual  men  to  the  joys 
above.  Think  with  yourselves,  "  Is  it  such  a  delight 
to  a  sinner  to  do  wickedly  ?  and  will  it  not  be  de- 
lightful indeed  to  live  with  God?  Hath  the  drunk- 
ard such  delights  in  his  cups,  that  the  fears  of  dam- 
nation will  not  make  him  forsake  them?  Will  the 
whoremonger  rather  part  with  his  credit,  estate,  and 
salvation,  than  with  his  brutish  delights  ?  If  the  way 
to  hell  can  afford  such  pleasure,  what  then  are  th6 
pleasures  of  the  saints  in  heaven  !  If  the  covetous 
man  hath  so  much  pleasure  in  his  wealth,  and  the 
ambitious  man  in  places  of  power  and  titles  of  ho- 
nor, what  then  have  the  saints  in  everlasting  trea- 
sures, and  in  heavenly  honors,  where  we  shall  be 
set  above  principalities  and  powers,  and  be  made  the 
glorious  spouse  of  Christ !  How  delightfully  will 
the  voluptuous  follow  their  recreations  from  morn- 
ing till  night,  or  sit  at  their  cards  and  dice  nights 
and  days  together  !  O  the  delight  we  shall  have, 
when  we  come  to  our  rest,  m  beholding  the  face  of 
the  living  God,  and  in  singing  forth  praises  unto 
him  and  the  Lamb!''  Compare  also  the  delights 
above  with  the  lawful  and  moderate  delights  of 
sense.  Think  with  thyself,  "  How  sweet  is  food  to 
my  taste  when  I  am  hungry :  especially  if  it  be,  as 
Isaac  said,  '  such  as  I  love,'  which  my  temperance 
and  appetite  incline  to  !  What  delight,  then,  must 
my  soul  have  in  feeding  upon  '  Christ,  the  living 
bread,'  and  in  '  eating  with  him  at  his  table  in  his 


384        I  CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

kingdom !'  Was  a  mess  of  pottage  so  sweet  to  Esau 
in  his  hunger,  that  he  would  buy  it  at  so  dear  a  rate 
as  his  birthright  ?  How  highly,  then,  should  I  value 
this  never-perishing  food !  How  pleasant  is  drink  in 
the  extremity  of  thirst ;  scarcely  to  be  expressed ; 
enough  to  make  the  'strength  of  Samson  revive!' 
O  how  delightful  will  it  be  to  m}-'  soul  to  drink  of 
that  *  fountain  of  living  water,  which  Avhoso  drink- 
eth  it  shall  thirst  no  more !'  How  delightful  are 
grateful  odors  to  the  smell ;  or  music  to  the  ear  ;  or 
beautiful  sights  to  the  eye !  What  fragrance,  then, 
hath  'the  precious  ointment  which  is  poured  on  the 
head'  of  our  glorified  Savior,  and  which  must  be 
poured  on  the  head  of  all  his  saints,  and  will  fill  all 
heaven  with  its  odor !  How  delightful  is  the  music 
•  of  the  heavenly  host !'  How  pleasing  will  be  those 
real  beauties  above !  How  glorious  the  'building  not 
made  with  hands,'  the  house  that  God  himself  dwells 
in,  the  walks  and  prospects  in  '  the  city  of  God,'  and 
the  celestial  paradise !" 

Compare,  also,  the  delights  above  with  those  we 
find  in  natural  knowledge.  These  are  far  beyond 
the  delights  of  sense ;  but  how  much  farther  are  the 
delights  of  heaven  !  Think,  then,  "  Can  an  Archime- 
des be  so  taken  up  with  his  mathematical  invention, 
that  the  threats  of  death  cannot  disengage  him,  but 
he  will  die  in  the  midst  of  his  contemplations? 
Should  not  I  be  much  more  taken  up  with  the  de- 
lights of  glory,  and  die  with  these  contemplations 


BV    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  385 

fresh  upon  my  soul ;  especially  when  my  death  will 
perfect  my  delights,  while  those  of  Archimedes  die 
with  him  1  What  exquisite  pleasure  is  it  to  dive  in* 
to  the  secrets  of  nature^  and  find  out  the  mysteries 
of  arts  and  sciences  ;  especially  if  we  make  a  new 
discovery  in  any  one  of  them  !  What  high  delights 
are  there,  then,  in  the  knowledge  of  God  and 
Christ !  If  the  face  of  human  learning  be  so  beau- 
tiful as  to  make  sensual  pleasures  appear  base  and 
brutish,  how  beautiful,  then,  is  the  face  of  God  ! 
When  we  meet  with  some  choice  book,  how  could 
we  read  it  day  and  night,  almost  forgetful  of  meat, 
drink,  or  sleep !  What  delights  are  there,  then,  at 
God's  right  hand,  where  we  shall  know  in  a  mo- 
ment all  that  is  to  be  known  !" — Compare,  also,  the 
delights  above  Avith  the  delights  of  morality  and  of 
the  natural  affections.  What  delight  had  many  so- 
ber heathens  in  the  rules  and  practice  of  moral  du- 
ty, so  that  they  took  him  alone  for  an  honest  man, 
who  did  well  through  the  love  of  virtue,  and  not 
merely  for  fear  of  punishment ;  yea,  so  much  va- 
lued was  this  moral  virtue,  that  they  thought  a  man's 
chief  happiness  consisted  in  it !  Think,  then,  *'  What 
excellency  will  there  be  in  our  heavenly  perfec- 
tion, and  in  that  uncreated  perfection  of  God  which 
Ave  shall  behold !  What  sweetness  is  there  in  the 
exercise  of  natural  love,  whether  to  children,  pa- 
rents, yoke-fellows,  or  intimate  friends  !  Does  David 
say  of  Jonathan,  '  Thy  love  to  me  was  wonderful 
33 


o8G  CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

passing  the  love  of  women  ?'  Did  '  the  soul  of 
Jonathan  cleave  to  David?'  Had  Christ  himself 
one  '  disciple  whom  he  especially  loved,  and  who 
•was  wont  to  lean  on  his  breast  V  If,  then,  the  de- 
lights of  close  and  cordial  friendship  be  so  great, 
what  delight  shall  we  have  in  the  friendship  of  the 
Most  High,  and  in  our  mutual  intimacy  with  Jesus 
Christ,  and  in  the  dearest  love  of  the  saints  !  Sure- 
ly this  will  be  a  stricter  friendship  than  these,  more 
lovely  and  desirable  friends  than  ever  the  sun  be- 
held ;  and  both  our  affections  to  our  Father  and  Sa- 
vior, and  especially  theirs  to  us,  will  be  such  as  we 
never  knew  here.  If  one  angel  could  destroy  a 
host,  the  affections  of  spirits  must  also  be  propor- 
tionably  stronger,  so  that  Ave  shall  then  love  a  thou- 
sand times  more  ardently  than  we  can  now.  As  all 
the  attributes  and  works  of  God  are  incomprehensi- 
ble, so  is  this  of  love :  he  will  love  us  infinitely  be- 
yond our  most  perfect  love  to  Him.  What,  then, 
will  there  be  in  this  mutual  love  !" 

Compare  also  the  excellencies  of  heaven  Avith 
those  glorious  Avorks  of  creation  Avhich  our  eyes 
now  behold.  What  wisdom,  poAver,  and  goodness 
are  manifested  therein  !  Hoav  does  the  majesty  of 
the  Creator  shine  in  this  fabric  of  the  Avorld  !  "  His 
Avorks  are  great,  sought  out  of  all  them  that  have 
pleasure  therein."  What  divine  skill  in  forming  the 
bodies  of  men  or  beasts  1  What  excellency  in  every 
plant !  What  beauty  in  floAA^ers  !  What  variety  and 


BY    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  387 

usefulness  in  herbs,  plants,  fruits,  and  minerals! 
What  wonders  are  contained  in  the  earth  and  its  in- 
habitants ;  the  ocean  of  waters,  with  its  motions  and 
dimensions ;  and  the  constant  succession  of  spring 
and  autumn,  of  summer  and  winter  !  Think,  then, 
"  If  these  things,  which  are  but  servants  to  sinful 
man,  are  so  full  of  mysterious  worth,  what  is  that 
place  where  God  himself  dwells,  and  which  is  pre- 
pared for  just  men  made  perfect  with  Christ !  What 
glory  is  there  in  the  least  of  yonder  stars  !  What 
a  vast  resplendent  body  is  yonder  moon,  and  every 
planet !  What  an  inconceivable  glory  hath  the  sun  ! 
But  all  this  is  nothing  to  the  glory  of  heaven.  Yon- 
der sun  must  there  be  laid  aside  as  useless.  Yonder 
sun  is  but  darkness  to  the  lustre  of  my  Father's 
house.  I  shall  myself  be  as  glorious  as  that  sun. 
This  whole  earth  is  but  my  Father's  footstool.  This 
thunder  is  nothing  to  his  dreadful  voice.  These 
winds  are  nothing  to  the  breath  of  his  mouth.  If 
the  '  sending  rain,  and  making  the  sun  to  rise  on  the 
just  and  on  the  unjust,'  be  so  Avonderful,  how  much 
more  wonderful  and  glorious  will  that  Sun  be, 
which  must  shine  on  none  but  saints  and  angels  !" 
Compare  also  the  enjoyments  above  with  the  won- 
ders of  Providence  in  the  church  and  the  world. 
Would  it  not  be  an  astonishing  sight  to  see  "  the  sea 
stand  as  a  wall  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left, 
and  the  dry  land  appear  in  the  midst,  and  the  peo- 
ple of  Israel  pass  safely  through,  and  Pharaoh  and 


388  CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

his  host  drowned  ?  or  to  have  seen  the  ten  plagues 
of  Egypt  ?  or  the  rock  gushing  forth  streams  ?  or 
nianna  and  quails  rained  from  heaven  ?  or  the  earth 
opening  and  swallowing  up  the  wicked  ?  But  we 
shall  see  far  greater  things  than  these ;  not  only 
sights  more  wonderful,  bu-  more  delightful !  there 
shall  be  no  blood,  nor  wrath,  intermingled ;  nor 
shall  we  cry  out,  as  "  the  men  of  Beth-shemesh, 
Who  is  able  to  stand  before  this  holy  Lord  God  ?" 
How  astonishing  to  see  the  sun  stand  still  in  the  fir- 
mament, or  "  the  dial  of  Ahaz  go  back  ten  degrees !" 
But  we  shall  see  when  there  shall  be  no  sun ;  or 
rather  shall  behold  for  ever  a  Sun  of  infinitely  great- 
er brightness.  What  a  life  should  we  have,  if  we 
could  have  drought  or  rain  at  our  prayers  ;  or  have 
fire  from  heaven  to  destroy  our  enemies,  as  Elijah 
had ;  or  raise  the  dead,  as  Elisha ;  or  miraculously 
cure  diseases,  and  speak  all  languages,  as  the  apos- 
tles !  Alas,  these  are  nothing  to  the  wonders  we 
shall  see  and  possess  with  God  ;  and  all  of  them 
wonders  of  goodness  and  love  !  We  shall  ourselves 
be  the  subjects  of  more  wonderful  mercies  than  any 
of  these,  Jonah  was  raised  but  from  a  three  days' 
burial  in  the  belly  of  a  fish ;  but  we  shall  be  rais- 
ed from  many  years'  rottenness  and  dust ;  and  that 
dust  exalted  to  the  glory  of  the  sun;  and  that 
glory  perpetuated  through  eternity.  Surely,  if  we 
observe  but  common  providences,  as  the  motions 
of  the  sun;  the  tides  of  the  .sea;  the  standing  of 


BY    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  889 

the  iarth ;  the  watering  it  with  rain,  as  a  garden ; 
the  keeping  in  order  a  wicked,  confused  world ; 
with  many  others,  they  are  all  admirable.  But  what 
are  these  to  the  Sion  of  God,  the  vision  of  the  di- 
vme  Majesty,  and  the  order  of  the  heavenly  host  ? — 
Add  to  these,  those  particular  providences  which 
thou  hast  thyself  enjoyed  and  recorded  through  thy 
life,  and  compare  them  with  the  mercies  thou  shalt 
have  above.  Look  over  the  mercies  of  thy  youth 
and  riper  age,  of  thy  prosperity  and  adversity,  of 
thy  several  places  and  relations ;  are  they  not  ex- 
cellent and  innumerable,  rich  and  engaging  ?  How 
sweet  was  it  to  thee,  when  God  resolved  thy  doubts  ; 
scattered  thy  fears ;  prevented  the  inconveniences 
into  which  thy  own  counsel  would  have  cast  thee ; 
eased  thy  pains ;  healed  thy  sickness ;  and  raised 
thee  up,  as  from  death  and  the  grave !  Think,  then, 
•'  Are  all  these  so  sweet  and  precious,  that  without 
them  my  life  would  have  been  a  perpetual  misery  ? 
Hath  his  providence  on  earth  lifted  me  so  high, 
*and  his  gentleness  made  me  so  great?'  How 
sweet,  then,  will  his  glorious  presence  be !  How 
high  will  his  eternal  love  exalt  me  !  And  how  great 
shall  I  be  made  in  communion  with  his  greatness  ! 
If  my  pilgrimage  and  warfare  have  such  mercies, 
what  shall  I  find  in  my  home,  and  in  my  triumph  ! 
If  God  communicates  so  much  to  me  while  I  remain 
a  sinner,  what  will  he  bestow  when  I  am  a  perfect- 
ed saint !  If  I  have  had  so  much  at  such  a  distance 
s,  R.  35* 


390  CaNTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

from  him,  what  shall  I  have  in  his  immediate  pro 
sence,  where  I  shall  ever  stand  before  his  throne!" 
Compare  the  joys  above  with  the  comforts  thou 
hast  here  received  in  ordinances.  Hath  not  the  Bi- 
ble been  to  these  as  an  open  fountain,  flowing  with 
comforts  day  and  night?  What  suitable  promises 
have  come  into  thy  mind ;  so  that,  with  David,  thou 
mayst  say,  "  Unless  thy  law  had  been  my  delight, 
I  should  then  have  perished  in  mine  affliction !" 
Think,  then,  "  If  his  word  be  so  full  of  consolations, 
what  overflowing  springs  shall  we  find  in  God  him- 
self! If  his  letters  are  so  comfortable,  what  will  the 
glory  of  his  presence  be !  If  the  promise  is  so  sweet, 
what  will  the  performance  be  !  If  the  testament  of 
our  Lord,  and  our  charter  for  the  kingdom,  be  so 
comfortable,  what.will  be  our  possession  of  the  king- 
dom itself!" — Think  farther,  "What  delights  have 
I  also  found  in  the  word  preached !  When  I  have 
sat  under  a  heavenly,  heart-searching  teacher,  how 
hath  my  heart  been  warmed  !  Methinks  I  have  felt 
myself  almost  in  heaven.  How  often  have  I  gone 
to  the  congregation,  troubled  in  spirit,  and  returned 
joyful  1  How  often  have  I  gone  doubting,  and  God 
hath  sent  me  home  persuaded  of  his  love  in  Christ  I 
What  cordials  have  I  met  with  to  animate  me  in 
every  conflict  I  If  but  the  face  of  Moses  shine  so 
gloriously,  what  glory  is  there  in  the  face  of  God  I 
If '  the  feet  of  them  that  publish  peace,  that  bring 
good  tidings  of  salvation,  be  beautiful,'  how  beauti- 


BY    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS,  391 

ful  is  the  face  of  the  Prince  of  peace !  If  this  treasure 
be  so  precious  in  earthen  vessels,  what  is  that  trea- 
sure laid  up  in  heaven !  Blessed  are  the  eyes  that 
see  what  is  seen  there,  and  the  ears  that  hear  the 
things  that  are  heard  there.  There  shall  I  hear  Eli- 
jah, Isaiah,  Jeremiah,  John,  Peter,  Paul ;  not  preach- 
ing to  gainsayers,  in  imprisonment,  persecution,  and 
reproach  ;  but  triumphing  in  the  praises  of  him  that 
hath  raised  them  to  honor  and  glory." — Think  also, 
•'  What  joy  is  it  to  have  access  and  acceptance  in 
prayer ;  that  I  may  always  go  to  God,  and  open  my 
case,  and  unbosom  my  soul  to  him,  as  to  my  most 
faithful  friend  !  But  it  will  be  a  more  unspeakable 
joy,  when  I  shall  receive  all  blessings  without  ask- 
ing, and  all  my  necessities  and  miseries  will  be  re- 
moved, and  when  God  himself  will  be  the  portion 
and  inheritance  of  my  soul." — As  for  the  Lord's 
supper,  "  What  a  privilege  is  it  to  be  admitted  to  sit 
at  his  table,  to  have  his  covenant  sealed  to  me  there ! 
But  all  the  life  and  comfort  there,  is  to  assure  me 
of  the  comforts  hereafter,  O  the  difference  between 
the  last  supper  of  Christ  on  earth,  and  the  marriage 
supper  of  the  Lamb  at  the  great  day !  Then  his 
room  will  be  the  glorious  heavens ;  his  attendants, 
all  the  hosts  of  angels  and  saints ;  no  Judas,  no  un- 
furnished guest  comes  there;  but  the  humble  be- 
lievers must  sit  down  by  him,  and  their  feast  will 
be  their  mutual  loving  and  rejoicing." — Concerning 
the  communion  of  saints,  think  with  thyself,  "  What 


392  CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

a  pleasure  is  it  to  live  with  intelligent  and  heavenly 
Christians  !  David  says  of  such,  '  they  were  all  his 
delight.'  O  what  a  delightful  society,  then,  shall  I 
have  above !  Had  I  but  seen  Job  on  the  dunghill, 
wiiat  a  mirror  of  patience !  and  what  will  it  be  to 
see  him  in  glory !  How  delightful  to  have  heard 
Paul  and  Silas  singing  in  the  stocks !  how  much 
more  to  hear  them  sing  praises  in  heaven  I  What 
melody  did  David  make  on  his  harp  !  but  how  much 
more  melodious  to  hear  that  sweet  singer  in  the  hea- 
venly choir  !  What  would  I  have  given  for  an  hours 
free  converse  Avith  Paul,  when  he  was  just  come 
down  from  the  third  heaven  !  But  I  mxust  shortly 
see  those  things  myself,  and  possess  what  I  see." — 
Once  more,  think  of  praising  God  in  concert  with 
his  saints :  "  What  if  I  had  been  in  the  place  of 
those  shepherds  who  saw  and  heard  the  heavenly 
host  singing,  '  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on 
earth  peace,  good  will  towards  men !'  But  I  shall 
see  and  hear  more  glorious  things.  How  blessed 
should  I  have  thought  myself,  had  I  heard  Christ 
in  his  thanksgivings  to  his  Father !  How  much 
more,  when  I  shall  hear  him  pronounce  me  blessed ! 
If  there  was  such  joy  at  bringing  back  the  ark,  or 
at  rebuilding  the  temple ;  what  will  there  be  in  the 
New  Jerusalem  !  If  the  earth  rent  when  the  people 
rejoiced  at  Solomon's  coronation;  what  a  joyful 
shout  will  there  be  at  the  appearing  of  the  King  of 
the  church  !    If,  '  when  the  foundations  of  the  earth 


BV    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  393 

were  laid,  the  morning  stars  sang  together,  and  all 
the  sons  of  God  shouted  for  joy;'  what  a  joyful 
song  will  there  be,  when  the  world  of  glory  is  both 
founded  and  finished,  when  the  top-stone  is  laid,  and 
when  '  the  holy  city  is  adorned  as  the  bride,  the 
Lamb's  wife!'" 

Compare  the  joys  thou  shalt  have  in  heaven  with 
what  the  saints  have  found  in  the  way  to  it,  and  in 
the  foretastes  of  it.  When  did  God  ever  reveal  the 
least  of  himself  to  any  of  his  saints,  but  the  joy  of 
their  hearts  was  answerable  to  the  revelation  ?  In 
what  an  ecstacy  was  Peter  on  the  mount  of  transfi- 
guration !  "  Master,"  says  he,  "  it  is  good  for  us  to 
be  here :  let  us  make  three  tabernacles ;  one  for 
thee,  and  one  for  Moses,  and  one  for  Elias."  As  if 
he  had  said,  "  O  let  us  not  go  down  again  to  yonder 
persecuting  rabble ;  let  us  not  return  to  our  mean 
and  suffering  state.  Is  it  not  better  to  stay  here, 
now  we  are  here  ?  Is  not  here  better  company,  and 
sweeter  pleasure  ?"  Ho\v  was  Paul  lifted  up  with 
what  he  saw !  How  did  the  face  of  Moses  shine, 
when  he  had  been  talking  with  God  !  These  were 
all  extraordinary  foretastes ;  but  little  to  the  full  be- 
atifical vision.  How  often  have  we  read  and  heard 
of  dying  saints  who  have  been  full  of  joy ;  and  when 
their  bodies  have  felt  the  extremity  of  sickness  and 
pain,  have  had  so  much  of  heaven  in  their  spirits, 
that  their  joy  hath  far  exceeded  their  sorrows  !  If  a 
spark  of  this  fire  be  so  glorious  even  amidst  the  sea 


394  CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

of  adversity ;  what  then  is  glory  itself  I  O  the  joy 
that  the  martyrs  have  felt  in  the  flames  !  They  were 
flesh  and  blood,  as  well  as  we ;  it  must  therefore  be 
some  excellent  thing"  that  filled  their  spirits  with  joy 
while  their  bodies  were  burning.  Think,  reader,  m 
thy  meditations,  "  Sure  it  must  be  some  wonderful 
foretaste  of  glory  that  made  the  flames  of  fire  easy, 
and  the  king  of  terrors  welcome.  What  then  is  glory 
itself!  What  a  blessed  rest,  when  the  thoughts  of  it 
made  Paul  desire  to  depart,  and  be  with  Christ ;  and 
make  the  saints  never  think  themselves  well,  till 
they  are  dead  !  Shall  Saunders  embrace  the  stake, 
and  cry,  Welcome,  cross !  And  shall  I  not  more 
delightfully  embrace  my  blessedness,  and  cry.  Wel- 
come, crown  ?  Shall  Bradford  kiss  the  fagot,  and 
shall  not  I  kiss  the  Savior  ?  Shall  another  poor  mar- 
tyr rejoice  to  have  her  foot  in  the  same  hole  of  the 
stocks  in  which  Mr.  Philpot's  had  been  before  her? 
And  shall  not  I  rejoice  that  my  soul  shall  live  in 
the  same  place  of  glory  where  Christ  and  his  apos- 
tles are  gone  before  me  ?  Shall  fire  and  fagot,  pri- 
sons and  banishment,  cruel  mockings  and  scourg- 
ings,  be  more  welcome  to  others  than  Christ  and 
glory  to  me  ?  God  forbid  !" 

Compare  the  glory  of  the  heavenly  kingdom  witli 
the  glory  of  the  church  on  earth,  and  of  Christ  in 
his  state  of  humiliation.  If  Christ's  sufliering  in  the 
room  of  sinners  had  such  excellency,  what  is  Christ 
at  his  Father's  right  hand  !   If  the  church  under  her 


BY    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  395 

Sins  and  enemies  have  so  much  beauty,  what  will 
she  have  at  the  marriage  of  the  Lamb  !  How  won- 
derful was  the  Son  of  God  in  the  form  of  a  servant ! 
When  he  is  born,  a  new  star  must  appear,  and  con- 
duct the  strangers  to  worship  him  in  a  manger,  hea- 
venly hosts  with  their  songs  must  celebrate  his  nati- 
vity ;  while  a  child,  he  must  dispute  with  doctors  ; 
when  he  enters  upon  his  office,  he  turns  water  into 
wine,  feeds  thousands  with  a  few  loaves  and  fishes, 
cleanses  the  lepers,  heals  the  sick,  restores  the  lame, 
gives  sight  to  the  blind,  and  raises  the  dead.  How 
wonderful,  then,  is  his  celestial  glory !  If  there  be 
such  cutting  down  of  boughs,  and  spreading  of  gar- 
ments, and  crying  Hosanna,  for  one  that  comes  into 
Jerusalem  riding  on  an  ass ;  what  will  there  be 
when  he  comes  with  his  angels  in  his  glory!  If 
they  that  heard  him  "  preach  the  Gospel  of  the  king- 
dom," confess,  "  Never  man  spake  like  this  man ;" 
they,  then,  that  behold  his  majesiy  in  his  kingdom, 
will  say,  "  There  was  never  glory  like  this  glory." 
If,  when  his  enemies  came  to  apprehend  him,  they 
fell  to  the  ground ;  if,  when  he  is  dying,  the  earth 
quakes,  the  veil  of  the  temple  is  rent,  the  sun  is 
eclipsed,  the  dead  bodies  of  the  saints  arise,  and  the 
standers-by  acknowledge,  "  Verily  this  was  the  Son 
of  God;"  O  what  a  day  will  it  be,  when  the  dead 
must  all  arise,  and  stand  before  him  !  when  he  "  will 
once  shake,  not  the  earth  only,  but  the  heavens  also !" 
when  this  sun  shall  be  taken  out  of  the  firmament, 


396  CO^T£Mt*LATIO^J    ASSISTED 

and  be  everlastingly  darkened  with  his  glory  !  and 
when  every  tongue  shall  confess  him  to  be  the 
Lord  and  King !  If,  when  he  rose  again^  death  and 
the  grave  lost  their  power ;  if  angels  must  "  roll 
away  the  stone,"  terrify  the  keepers  till  they  are  "  as 
dead  men,"  and  send  the  tidings  to  his  disciples :  if 
he  ascend  to  heaven  in  their  sight ;  what  power,  do- 
minion, and  glory  is  he  now  possessed  of,  and  which 
we  must  for  ever  possess  with  him !  When  he  is 
gone,  can  a  few  poor  fishermen  and  tent-makers  cure 
the  lame,  blind,  and  sick,  open  prisons,  destroy  the 
disobedient,  raise  the  dead,  and  astonish  their  adver- 
saries? Avhat  a  world  will  that  be,  where  every  one 
can  do  greater  works  than  these  !  If  the  preach- 
ing of  the  Gospel  be  accompanied  with  such  power 
as  to  discover  the  secrets  of  the  heart,  humble  the 
proud  sinner,  and  make  the  most  obdurate  trem- 
ble ;  if  it  can  make  men  burn  their  books,  sell  their 
lands,  bring  in  the  price,  and  lay  it  down  at  the 
preacher's  feet ;  if  it  can  convert  thousands,  and  turn 
the  world  upside  down  ;  if  its  doctrine,  from  the  pri- 
soner at  the  bar,  can  make  the  judge  on  the  bench 
tremble ;  if  Christ  and  his  saints  have  this  power 
and  honor  in  the  day  of  their  abasement,  and  in  the 
time  appointed  for  their  suffering  and  disgrace,  what 
then  will  they  have  in  their  absolute  dominion,  and 
full  advancement  in  their  kingdom  of  glory  ! 

Compare  the  glorious  change  thou  shalt  have  at 
last,  with  the  gracious  change  which  the  Spirit  hath 


BY    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  397 

here  wrought  on  thy  heart.  There  is  not  the  small- 
est sincere  grace  in  thee,  but  is  of  greater  worth  than 
the  riches  of  the  Indies ;  not  a  hearty  desire  after 
Christ,  but  is  more  to  be  valued  than  the  kingdoms 
of  the  world.  A  renewed  nature  is  the  very  image 
of  God ;  Christ  dwelling  in  us,  and  the  Spirit  of 
God  abiding  in  us :  it  is  a  beam  from  the  face  of 
God ;  the  seed  of  God  remaining  in  us ;  the  only 
inherent  beauty  of  the  rational  soul:  it  ennobles 
man  above  all  nobility ;  fits  him  to  understand  his 
Maker's  pleasure,  do  his  will,  and  receive  his  glory. 
If  this  grain  of  mustard-seed  be  so  precious,  what  is 
"  the  tree  of  life  in  the  midst  of  the  paradise  of  God !" 
If  a  spark  of  life,  which  will  but  strive  against  cor- 
ruptions, and  flame  out  a  few  desires  and  groans,  be 
of  so  much  worth,  how  glorious  then  is  the  fountain 
of  this  life  !  If  we  are  said  to  be  like  God,  when  we 
are  pressed  down  wdth  a  body  of  sin ;  sure  we  shall 
be  much  more  like  God,  when  we  have  no  such 
thing  as  sin  within  us.  Is  the  desire  after,  and  love 
of  heaven,  so  excellent ;  what  then  is  the  thing  it- 
self? Is  our  joy  in  foreseeing  and  believing  so  sweet ; 
what  w^ill  be  the  joy  of  full  possession  ?  How  glad 
is  a  Christian  when  he  feels  his  heart  begin  to  melt, 
and  be  dissolved  with  the  thoughts  of  sinful  unkind- 
ness  !  Even  this  sorrow  yields  him  joy.  O  what, 
then,  will  it  be,  when  we  shall  know,  and  love,  and 
rejoice,  and  praise  in  the  highest  perfection  !  Think 
with  thyself,  "  What  a  change  was  it,  to  be  taken 
s.  R.  34 


398  CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

from  that  state  wherein  I  was  born,  and  in  which  I 
was  riveted  by  custom,  when  thousands  of  sins  lay 
upon  my  score ;  and  if  I  had  so  died,  I  had  been 
damned  for  ever  !  What  an  astonishing  change,  to 
be  justified  from  all  these  enormous  crimes,  and 
freed  from  all  these  fearful  plagues,  and  made  an 
heir  of  heaven  !  How  often,  when  I  have  thought 
of  my  regeneration,  have  I  cried  out,  O  blessed  day  I 
and  blessed  be  the  Lord  that  ever  I  saw  it !  How, 
then,  shall  I  cry  out  in  heaven,  O  blessed  eternity  ? 
and  blessed  be  the  Lord  that  brought  me  to  it !  Did 
the  angels  of  God  rejoice  to  see  my  conversion? 
surely  they  will  congratulate  my  felicity  in  my  sal- 
vation. Grace  is  but  a  spark  raked  up  in  the  ashes, 
covered  Avith  flesh  from  the  sight  of  the  world,  and 
sometimes  covered  with  corruption  from  my  own 
sight ;  but  my  everlasting  glory  will  not  be  so  cloud 
ed,  nor  my  light  be  '  under  a  bushel,  but  upon  a 
hill,'  even  upon  mount  Sion,  the  mount  of  God.'' 

Once  more,  compare  the  joys  which  thou  shalt 
have  above,  with  those  foretastes  of  it  which  the  Spi- 
rit hath  given  thee  here.  Hath  not  God  sometimes 
revealed  himself  extraordinarily  to  thy  soul,  and  let 
a  drop  of  glory  fall  upon  it  ?  Hast  thou  not  been 
ready  to  say,  "  O  that  it  might  be  thus  with  my  soul 
continually !"  Didst  thou  never  cry  out  with  the 
martyr,  after  thy  long  and  mournful  expectations, 
"  He  is  come  !  he  is  come  !"  Didst  thou  never.,  un- 
der a  lively  sermon  of  heaven,  or  in  thy  retired  con 


BY    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  399 

templations  on  that  blessed  state,  perceive  thy  droop- 
ing spirits  revive,  and  thy  dejected  heart  lift  up  thy 
head,  and  the  light  of  heaven  dawn  on  thy  soul  ? 
Think  with  thyself,  "  What  is  this  earnest  to  the 
full  inheritance  !  Alas,  all  this  light,  that  so  amazeth 
and  rejoiceth  me,  is  but  a  candle  lighted  from  hea- 
ven, to  lead  me  thither  through  this  world  of  dark- 
ness I  If  some  godly  men  have  been  overwhelmed 
with  joy  till  they  have  cried  out,  '  Hold,  Lord,  stay 
thy  hand ;  I  can  bear  no  more  !'  what  then  will  be 
my  joys  in  heaven,  when  my  soul  shall  be  so  capa- 
ble of  seeing  and  enjoying  God,  that  though  the  light 
be  ten  thousand  times  greater  than  the  sun,  yet  my 
eyes  shall  be  able  for  ever  to  behold  it !"  Or  if  thou 
hast  not  yet  felt  these  sweet  foretastes,  (for  every  be- 
liever hath  not  felt  them,)  then  make  use  of  such 
delights  as  thoa  hast  felt,  in  order  the  better  to  dis- 
cern what  thou  shalt  hereafter  feel. 

Secondly.  J.  am  now  to  show  how  heavenly  con 
tempiation  may  be  preserved  from  a  wandering  heart. 
Our  chief  work  here  is  to  discover  the  danger,  and 
that  will  direct  to  the  fittest  remedy.  The  heart  will 
prove  the  greatest  hinderance  in  this  heavenly  em- 
ployment ;  either,  by  backwardness  to  it ; — or,  by 
trifling  in  it ; — or,  by  frequent  excursions  to  other 
objects ; — or,  by  abruptly  ending  the  work  before  it  is 
well  begun.  As  you  value  the  comfort  of  this  work, 
these  dangerous  evils  must  be  faithfully  resisted. 
1.  Thou  wilt  find  thy  heart  as  backward  to  this, 


400  CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

I  think,  as  to  any  work  in  the  world.  O  what  ex- 
cuses will  it  make  !  What  evasions  will  it  find  out ! 
What  delays  and  demurs,  when  it  is  ever  so  much 
convinced !  Either  it  will  question  whether  it  be  a 
duty  or  not ;  or,  if  it  be  so  to  others,  whether  to  thy- 
self. It  will  tell  thee,  "  This  is  a  work  for  minis- 
ters that  have  nothing  else  to  study  ;  or,  for  persons 
that  have  more  leisure  than  thou  hast."  If  thou  be 
a  minister,  it  will  tell  thee,  "  This  is  the  duty  of  the 
people ;  it  is  enough  for  thee  to  meditate  for  their 
instruction,  and  let  them  meditate  on  what  they  have 
heard."  As  if  it  was  thy  duty  only  to  cook  their  meat 
and  serve  it  up,  and  they  alone  must  eat  it,  digest  it, 
and  live  upon  it.  If  all  this  will  not  do,  thy  heart 
will  tell  thee  of  other  business,  or  set  thee  upon  some 
other  duty ;  for  it  had  rather  go  to  any  duty  than 
this.  Perhaps  it  will  tell  thee,  "  Other  duties  are 
greater,  and  therefore  this  must  give  place  to  them, 
because  thou  hast  no  time  for  both.  Public  business 
is  more  important ;  to  study  and  preach  for  the  sav- 
ing of  souls,  must  be  preferred  before  these  private 
contemplations."  As  if  thou  hadst  not  time  to  care 
for  thy  own  salvation,  for  looking  after  that  of  others ; 
or  thy  charity  to  others  were  so  great,  that  it  obliges 
thee  to  neglect  thy  own  eternal  welfare ;  or  as  if 
there  was  any  better  way  to  fit  us  to  be  useful  to 
others,  than  making  this  proof  of  our  doctrine  our- 
selves. Certainly  heaven  is  the  best  fire  to  light 
our  candle  at,  and  the  best  book  for  a  preacher  to 


BY    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  401 

Study ;  and  if  we  would  be  persuaded  to  study  that 
more,  the  church  would  be  provided  with  more  hea- 
venly lights ;  and  when  our  studies  are  divine,  and 
our  spirits  divine,  our  preaching  will  also  be  divine, 
and  we  may  be  called  divines  indeed.  Or  if  thy 
heart  have  nothing  to  say  against  the  work,  it  will 
trifle  away  the  time  in  delays,  and  promise  this  day 
and  the  next,  but  still  keep  ofl'  from  the  business. 
Or  it  will  give  thee  a  flat  denial,  and  oppose  its  own 
unwillingness  to  thy  reason.  All  this  I  speak  ot 
the  heart,  so  far  as  it  is  still  carnal ;  for  I  know,  so 
far  as  it  is  spiritual,  it  will  judge  this  the  sweetest 
work  in  the  world. 

What  is  now  to  be  done  ?  Wilt  thou  do  it,  if  I 
tell  thee  ?  Wouldst  thou  not  say  in  a  like  case, 
What  should  I  do  with  a  servant  that  will  not  work, 
or  with  a  horse  that  will  not  travel  ?-  Shall  I  keep 
them  to  look  at  ?  Then  faithfully  deal  thus  with  thy 
heart ;  persuade  it  to  the  work,  take  no  denial,  chide 
it  for  its  backwardness,  use  violence  with  it.  Hast 
thou  no  command  of  thy  own  thoughts  ?  Is  not  the 
subject  of  thy  meditations  a  matter  of  choice,  especi- 
ally under  this  conduct  of  thy  judgment  ?  Surely 
God  gave  thee,  with  thy  new  nature,  some  power 
to  govern  thy  thoughts.  Art  thou  again  become  a 
slave  to  thy  depraved  nature  ?  Resume  thy  autho- 
rity. Call  in  the  Spirit  of  Christ  to  thine  assistance, 
who  is  never  backward  to  so  good  a  work,  nor 
will  deny  his  help  in  so  just  a  cause.    Say  to  him, 

s.  R  34* 


402  CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

"  Lord,  thou  gavest  my  reason  the  command  of  my 
thoughts  and  affections:  the  authority  I  have  re- 
ceived over  them  is  from  thee :  and  now,  behold, 
they  refuse  to  obey  thine  authority.  Thou  com- 
mandest  me  to  set  them  to  the  work  of  heavenly  me- 
ditation, but  they  rebel  and  stubbornly  refuse  the 
duty.  Wilt  thou  not  assist  me  to  exercise  that  au- 
thority which  thou  hast  given  me  ?  O  send  down 
thy  Spirit,  that  I  may  enforce  thy  commands,  and 
effectually  compel  them  to  obey  thy  will !"  Thus 
thou  shalt  see  thy  heart  will  submit,  its  resistance 
be  overcome,  and  its  backwardness  be  turned  into 
cheerful  compliance. 

2.  Thy  heart  will  also  be  likely  to  betray  thee  by 
trifling,  when  it  should  be  effectually  meditating. 
Perhaps,  when  thou  hast  an  hour  for  meditation, 
the  time  will  be  spent  before  thy  heart  will  be  seri- 
ous. This  doing  of  duty,  as  if  we  did  it  not,  ruins 
as  many  as  the  omission  of  it.  Here  let  thine  eye 
be  always  upon  thy  heart.  Look  not  so  much  to 
the  time  it  spends  in  the  duty,  as  to  the  quantity  and 
quality  of  the  work  that  is  done.  You  can  tell  by 
his  work,  whether  a  servant  hath  been  diligent. 
Ask  yourself,  "  What  affections  have  yet  been  exer- 
cised ?  How  much  am  I  yet  got  nearer  to  heaven  ?" 
Think  not,  since  thy  heart  is  so  trifling,  it  is  better 
to  let  it  alone :  for,  by  this  means,  thou  wilt  certain- 
ly banish  all  spiritual  obedience ;  because  the  best 
hearts,  being  but  sanctified  in  part,  will  resist,  so  far 


BY    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  403 

as  they  are  carnal.  But  rather  consider  well  the 
corruptions  of  thy  nature ;  and  that  its  sinful  indis- 
positions will  not  supercede  the  commands  of  God  ; 
nor  one  sin  excuse  for  another ;  and  that  God  has 
appointed  means  to  excite  our  affections.  This  self- 
reasoning,  self-considering  duty  of  heavenly  medita- 
tion, is  the  most  singular  means  both  to  excite  and 
increase  love.  Therefore  stay  not  from  the  duty 
till  thou  feelest  thy  love  constrain  thee,  any  more 
than  thou  wouldst  stay  from  the  fire  till  thou  feelest 
thyself  warm ;  but  engage  in  the  work  till  love  is 
excited,  and  then  love  will  constrain  thee  to  further 
duty. 

3.  Thy  heart  will  also  be  making  excursions  from 
thy  heavenly  meditation  to  other  objects.  It  will  be 
turning  aside,  like  a  careless  servant,  to  talk  with 
every  one  that  passeth  by.  When  there  should  be 
nothing  in  thy  mind  but  heaven,  it  will  be  thinking 
of  thy  calling,  or  thy  afflictions,  or  of  every  bird,  or 
tree,  or  place  thou  seest.  The  cure  is  here  the  same 
as  before ;  use  Avatchfulness  and  violence.  Say  to 
thy  heart,  "  What !  did  I  come  hither  to  think  of  my 
worldly  business,  of  persons,  places,  news,  or  vanity, 
or  of  any  thing  but  heaven,  be  it  ever  so  good? 
'  Canst  thou  not  watch  one  hour  ?'  Wouldst  thou 
leave  this  world,  and  dwell  for  ever  with  Christ  in 
heaven,  and  not  leave  it  one  hour,  to  dwell  with 
Christ  in  meditation  ?  '  Is  this  thy  love  to  thy 
friend  V  Dost  thou  love  Christ,  and  the  place  of  thy 


404  CONTEMPLATION    ASSISTED 

eternal,  blessed  abode,  no  more  than  this?"  If  the 
ravening  fowls  of  wandering  thoughts  devour  the 
meditations  intended  for  heaven,  they  devour  the  life 
and  joy  of  thy  thoughts;  therefore  drive  them  away 
from  thy  sacrifice,  and  strictly  keep  thy  heart  to  the 
work. 

4.  Abruptly  ending  thy  meditation  before  it  is 
well  begun,  is  another  way  in  which  thy  heart  will 
deceive  thee.  Thou  mayst  easily  perceive  this  in 
other  duties.  In  secret  prayer,  is  not  thy  heart  urg- 
ing thee  to  cut  it  short,  and  frequently  making  a 
motion  to  have  done  ?  So  in  heavenly  contempla- 
tion, thy  heart  will  be  weary  of  the  work,  and  will 
stop  thy  heavenly  walk  before  thou  art  well  warm. 
But  charge  it  in  the  name  of  God  to  stay,  and  not 
do  so  great  a  work  by  halves.  Say  to  it,  "  Foolish 
heart !  if  thou  beg  awhile,  and  goest  away  before 
thou  hast  thine  alms,  is  not  thy  begging  a  lost  la- 
bor ?  If  thou  stoppest  before  the  end  of  thy  jour- 
ney, is  not  thy  travel  lost  ?  Thou  camest  hither  in 
hope  to  have  a  sight  of  the  glory  which  thou  must 
inherit ;  and  wilt  thou  stop  when  thou  art  almost  at 
the  top  of  the  hill,  and  turn  back  before  thou  hast 
taken  thy  survey  ?  Thou  camest  hither  in  hope  to 
speak  with  God ;  and  wilt  thou  go  before  thou  hast 
seen  him?  Thou  camest  to  bathe  thyself  in  the 
streams  of  consolation,  and  to  that  end  didst  un- 
clothe thyself  of  thy  earthly  thoughts;  and  wilt 
thou  only  touch  the  bank  and  return  ?  Thou  camest 


BY    SENSIBLE    OBJECTS.  405 

to  *  spy  out  the  land  of  promise ;'  go  not  back  without 
•  one  cluster  of  grapes  to  show  thy  brethren,'  for 
their  encouragement.  Let  them  see  that  thou  hast 
tasted  of  the  wine  by  the  gladness  of  thy  heart ;  and 
that  thou  hast  been  anointed  with  the  oil,  by  the 
cheerfulness  of  thy  countenance ;  and  hast  fed  of 
the  milk  and  honey,  by  the  mildness  of  thy  dispo- 
sition and  the  sweetness  of  thy  conversatiun.  This 
heavenly  fire  would  melt  thy  frozen  heart,  and  re- 
fine and  spiritualize  it;  but  it  must  have  time  to 
operate."  Thus  pursue  the  work  till  something  be 
done,  till  thy  graces  be  in  exercise,  thy  affections 
raised,  and  thy  soul  refreshed  with  the  delights 
above ;  or,  if  thou  canst  not  attain  these  ends  at 
once,  be  the  more  earnest  at  another  lime.  "  Bless- 
ed is  that  servant,  whom  his  Lord,  when  he  cometh, 
shall  find  so  doing." 


406  HEAVENLY    CONTEMPLATION 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

HEAVENLY   CONTEMPLATION  EXEMPLIFIED,   AND  THE   WHOLE 
WORK   CONCLUDED. 

The  reader^  s  attention  excited  to  the  following  example  of  medi- 
tation. 1.  The  excellencies  of  heavenly  rest ;  2.  its  nearTiess ; 
3.  dreadful  to  sinners ;  4.  and  joyful  to  saints ;  5.  its  dear 
purchase;  6.  its  difference  from  earth.  7.  The  heart  pleaded 
with ;  8.  unbelief  banished  ;  9.  a  careless  world  pitied.  10. 
Heavenly  rest  the  object  of  love ;  11.  and  joy.  12.  The  heart's 
backwardness  to  heavenly  joy  lamented.  13.  Heavenly  rest 
the  object  of  desire. 

And  now,  reader,  according  to  the  above  direc- 
tions, make  conscience  of  daily  exercising  thy  gra- 
ces in  meditation,  as  well  as  prayer.  Retire  into 
some  secret  place,  at  a  time  the  most  convenient  to 
thyself,  and,  laying  aside  all  worldly  thoughts,  with 
all  possible  seriousness  and  reverence  look  up  to- 
wards heaven ;  remember  there  is  thine  everlasting 
rest ;  study  its  excellency  and  reality  ;  and  rise  from 
sense  to  faith,  by  comparing  heavenly  with  earthly 
joys.  Then  mix  ejaculations  with  thy  soliloquies  ; 
till,  having  pleaded  the  case  reverently  with  God, 
and  seriously  with  thy  own  heart,  thou  hast  pleaded 
thyself  from  a  clod  to  a  flame ;  from  a  forgetful  sin- 
ner, and  a  lover  of  the  world,  to  an  ardent  lover  of 
God ;  from  a  fearful  coward  to  a  resolved  Christian ; 
from  an  unfruitful  sadness  to  a  joyful  life ;  in  a  word, 


EXEMPLIFIED.  40  7 

till  thou  hast  pleaded  thy  heart  from  earth  to  heaven  ; 
from  conversing  below,  to  walking  with  God ;  and 
till  thou  canst  lay  thy  heart  to  rest,  as  in  the  bosom 
of  Christ,  by  some  such  meditation  of  thy  everlast- 
ing rest  as  is  here  added  for  thy  assistance. 

1.  "Rest  I  How  sweet  the  sound!  It  is  melody 
to  my  ears  !  It  lies  as  a  reviving  cordial  at  my  heart, 
and  from  thence  sends  forth  lively  spirits,  w^hich 
beat  through  all  the  pulses  of  my  soul  !  Rest  !— 
not  as  the  stone  that  rests  on  the  earth,  nor  as  thiVs. 
flesh  shall  rest  in  the  grave,  nor  such  a  rest  as  the 
carnal  world  desires.  O  blessed  rest !  when  we 
•  rest  not  day  and  night,  saying,  Holy,  holy,  holy, 
Lord  God  Almighty  !'  when  we  shall  rest  from  sin, 
but  not  from  worship ;  from  suffering  and  sorrow, 
but  not  from  joy  !  O  blessed  day  !  when  I  shall  rest 
Avith  God !  when  I  shall  rest  in  the  bosom  of  my 
Lord !  when  I  shall  rest  in  knowing,  loving,  re- 
joicing, and  praising !  when  my  perfect  soul  and 
body  shall  together  perfectly  enjoy  the  most  perfect 
God !  when  God,  who  is  love  itself,  shall  perfectly 
love  me,  and  rest  in  his  love  to  me,  as  I  shall  rest 
in  my  love  to  him ;  and  rejoice  over  me  with  joy, 
and  joy  over  me  with  singing,  as  I  shall  rejoice  in 
him! 

2.  "  How  near  is  that  most  blessed,  joyful  day  ! 
It  comes  apace.  '  He  that  shall  come  will  come, 
and  will  not  tarry.'  Though  my  Lord  seems  to 
delay  his  coming,  yet  a  little  while  and  he  will  be 


408  '  CONTEMPLATION 

here.  What  is  a  few  hundred  years  when  they  are 
over  ?  How  surely  will  his  sign  appear  !  How  sud- 
denly will  he  seize  upon  the  careless  world,  even 
'  as  the  lightning  cometh  out  of  the  east,  and  shineth 
unto  the  west !'  He  who  is  gone  hence  shall  so 
come.  Methinks  I  hear  his  trumpet  sound !  Me- 
thinks  I  see  him  coming  in  clouds,  with  his  attend- 
ing angels,  in  majesty  and  glory  ! 

3.  "  O,  secure  sinners  !  what  now  will  you  do  ? 
where  will  you  hide  yourselves?  what  shall  cover 
you?  Mountains  are  gone;  the  heavens  and  the 
earth,  which  were,  are  passed  away ;  the  devouring 
fire  hath  consumed  all,  except  yourselves,  who  must 
be  the  fuel  for  ever.  O  that  you  could  consume 
as  soon  as  the  earth,  and  melt  away  as  did  the  hea- 
vens !  Ah,  these  wishes  are  now  but  vain !  The 
Lamb  himself  would  have  been  your  friend;  he 
w^ould  have  loved  you,  and  ruled  you,  and  now  have 
saved  you;  but  you  would  not  then,  and  now  it  is  too 
late.  Never  cry.  Lord,  Lord :  too  late,  too  late,  man. 
Why  dost  thou  look  about?  can  any  save  thee? 
Whither  dost  thou  run  ?  can  any  hide  thee  ?  O, 
wretch,  that  hast  brought  thyself  to  this  ! 

4.  "  Now,  blessed  saints,  that  have  believed  and 
obeyed !  this  is  the  end  of  faith  and  patience.  This 
is  it  for  which  you  prayed  and  waited.  Do  you  now 
repent  your  sufferings  and  sorroAvs,  your  self-denial 
and  holy  walking  ?  Are  your  tears  of  repentance 
now  bitter  or  sweet?    See  how  the  Judge  smiles 


EXEMPLIFIED.  409 

Upon  you;  there  is  love  in  his  looks;  the  titles  of 
Redeemer,  Flusband,  Head,  are  written  in  his  amia- 
ble, shining  face.  Hark,  he  calls  you  !  he  bids  you 
stand  here  on  his  right  hand:  fear  not,  for  there 
he  sets  his  sheep.  O  joyful  sentence !  '  Come,  ye 
blessed  of  mj^  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared 
for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world.'  He  takes 
you  by  the  hand,  the  door  is  open,  the  kingdom  is 
his,  and  therefore  yours ;  there  is  your  place  before 
his  throne !  The  Father  receives  you  as  the  spouse 
of  his  Son,  and  bids  jon  welcome  to  the  crowm  of 
glory.  Ever  so  unv\'orthy,  you  must  be  crowned. 
This  was  the  project  of  free  redeeming  grace,  the 
purpose  of  eternal  love.  O  blessed  grace  !  O  bless- 
ed love  !  O  how"  love  and  joy  Vv'ill  rise  !  But  I  can- 
not express  it,  I  cannot  conceive  it. 

5.  "  This  is  that  joy  which  was  procured  by  sor- 
row, that  crown  which  was  procured  by  the  cross. 
My  Lord  wept,  that  now  my  tears  might  be  wiped 
away ;  he  bled,  that  I  might  now  rejoice ;  he  was 
forsaken,  that  I  might  not  now  be  forsook ;  he  then 
died,  that  I  might  now  live.  O  free  mercy,  that 
can  exalt  so  vile  a  wretch  !  Free  to  me,  though 
dear  to  Christ !  Free  grace,  that  hath  chosen  me, 
when  thousands  were  forsaken !  When  my  com- 
panions in  sin  must  burn  in  hell,  I  must  here  re- 
joice in  rest !  Here  must  I  live  with  all  these  saints! 
O  comfortable  meeting  of  my  old  acquaintance,  with 
whom  I  prayed,  and  wept,  and  suffered,  and  spoke 

s.   R.  35 


410  CONTEMPLATION 

often  of  this  day  and  place  !  I  see  the  grave  could 
not  detain  you :  the  same  love  hath  redeemed  and 
saved  you  also. 

6.  "  This  is  not  like  our  cottages  of  clay,  our  pri- 
sons, our  earthly  dwellings.  This  voice  of  joy  is  not 
like  our  old  complaints,  our  impatient  groans  and 
sighs ;  nor  this  melodious  praise  like  the  scoffs  and 
revilings,  or  the  oaths  and  curses,  which  we  heard 
on  earth.  This  body  is  not  like  that  we  had,  nor 
this  soul  like  the  soul  we  had,  nor  this  life  like  the 
life  we  lived.  We  have  changed  our  place  and  state, 
our  clothes  and  thoughts,  our  looks,  language,  and 
company.  Before,  a  saint  was  weak  and  despised ; 
so  proud  and  peevish,  we  could  often  scarce  discern 
his  graces ;  but  now,  how  glorious  a  thing  is  a  saint ' 
Where  is  now  their  body  of  sin,  which  wearied  them* 
selves  and  those  about  them  1  Where  are  now  our 
different  judgments,  reproachful  names,  divided  spi- 
rits, exasperated  passions,  strange  looks,  uncharita- 
ble censures  ?  Now  we  are  all  of  one  judgment,  of 
one  name,  of  one  heart,  house  and  glory.  O  sweet 
reconciliation  !  Happy  union  !  Now  the  Gospel  shall 
no  more  be  dishonored  through  our  folly.  No  more, 
my  soul,  shalt  thou  lament  the  sufferings  of  the 
saints,  or  the  church's  ruins;  nor  mourn  thy  suffer- 
ing friends,  nor  weep  over  their  dying  beds,  or  their 
graves.  Thou  shalt  never  suffer  thy  old  temptations 
from  Satan,  the  world,  or  thy  own  flesh.  Thy  pains 
and  sickness  arc  all  cured  ;  thy  body  shall  no  more 


EXEMPLIFIED.  411 

burden  thee  with  weakness  and  weariness ;  thy  ach- 
ing head  and  heart,  thy  hunger  and  thirst,  thy  sleep 
and  labor,  are  all  gone.  O  what  a  mighty  change 
is  this  !  from  the  dunghill  to  the  throne !  from  per- 
secuting sinners  to  praising  saints  !  from  a  vile  body 
to  this  which  '  shines  as  the  brightness  of  the  firma- 
ment !'  from  a  sense  of  God's  displeasure  to  the  per- 
fect enjoyment  of  him  in  love  !  from  all  my  doubts 
and  fears,  to  this  possession,  which  puts  me  out  of 
doubt !  from  all  my  fearful  thoughts  of  death,  to  this 
joyful  life  !  Blessed  change !  Farewell  sin  and  sor- 
row for  ever ;  farewell  my  rocky,  proud,  unbeliev- 
ing heart ;  my  worldly,  sensual,  carnal  heart ;  and 
welcome  now  my  most  holy,  heavenly  nature.  Fare- 
well repentance,  faith,  and  hope ;  and  welcome  love, 
and  joy,  and  praise.  I  shall  now  have  my  harvest, 
without  ploughing  or  sowing ;  my  joy,  without  a 
preacher  or  a  promise ;  even  all  from  the  face  of 
God  himself  Whatever  mixture  is  in  the  streams, 
there  is  nothing  but  pure  joy  in  the  fountain.  Here 
shall  I  be  encircled  with  eternity,  and  ever  live,  and 
ever,  ever  praise  the  Lord  ;  my  face  will  not  wrinkle, 
nor  my  hair  be  gray ;  '  for  this  corruptible  shall 
have  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal,  immor- 
tality, and  death  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  victory. 
O  death,  where  is  now  thy  sting  ?  O  grave,  where 
is  thy  victory  V  The  date  of  my  lease  will  no  more 
expire,  nor  shall  I  trouble  myself  with  thoughts  of 
death,  nor  lose  my  joys  through  fear  of  losing  them. 


412  CONTEMPLATION 

When  millions  of  ages  are  passed,  my  glory  is  but 
beginning ;  and  Avhen  millions  more  are  passed,  it 
is  no  nearer  ending.  Every  day  is  all  noon,  every 
month  is  harvest,  every  year  is  a  jubilee,  every  age 
IS  full  manhood,  and  all  this  is  one  eternity.  O  bless- 
ed eternity !  the  glory  of  my  glory  !  the  perfection 
of  my  perfection  ! 

7.  "  Ah,  drowsy,  earthly  heart !  how  coldly  dost 
thou  think  of  this  reviving  day  !  Hadst  thou  rather 
sit  down  in  dirt,  than  walk  in  the  palace  of  God  ? 
Art  thou  now  remembering  thy  worldly  business, 
or  thinking  of  thy  lusts,  earthly  delights,  and  merry 
company  1  Is  it  better  to  be  here,  than  above  with 
God?  Is  the  company  better?  Are  the  pleasures 
greater  ?  Come  away :  make  no  excuse  nor  delay  ; 
God  commands,  and  I  command  thee  ;  gird  up  thy 
loins ;  ascend  the  mount ;  look  about  thee  with  faith 
and  seriousness.  Look  not  back  upon  the  way  of 
the  wilderness,  except  it  be  to  compare  the  kingdom 
with  that  howling  desert,  more  sensibly  to  perceive 
the  wide  difference.  Yonder  is  thy  Father's  glory  ; 
yonder,  O  my  soul,  must  thou  remove,  when  thou 
departest  from  this  body ;  and  when  the  power  of 
thy  Lord  hath  raised  it  again,  and  joined  thee  to  it, 
yonder  must  thou  live  with  God  for  ever.  There  is 
the  glorious  New  Jerusalem,  the  gates  of  pearl,  the 
foundation  of  pearl,  the  streets  and  pavements  of 
transparent  gold.  That  sun,  which  lighteth  all  this 
world,  w'ill  be  useless  there ;  even  thyself  shall  be 


EXEMPLIFIED.  413 

as  bright  as  yonder  shining  sun  ;  God  will  be  the 
sun,  and  Christ  the  light,  and  in  his  light  shalt  thou 
have  light. 

8.  "  O  my  soul !  dost  thou  '  stagger  at  the  pro- 
mises of  God  through  unbelief?'  I  much  suspect 
thee.  Didst  thou  believe  indeed,  thou  wouldst  be 
more  affected  with  it.  Is  it  not  under  the  hand,  and 
<ea.\,  and  oath  of  God  ?  Can  God  lie  ?  Can  he  that 
IS  truth  itself  be  false  ?  What  need  hath  God  to  flat- 
ter or  deceive  thee  ?  Why  should  he  promise  thee 
more  than  he  will  perform  ?  Dare  not  to  charge  the 
wise,  almighty,  faithful  God  with  this.  How  many 
of  the  promises  have  been  performed  to  thee  in  thy 
conversion !  Would  God  so  powerfully  concur  with 
a  feigned  word?  O  wretched  heart  of  unbelief! 
Hath  God  made  thee  a  promise  of  rest,  and  wilt  thou 
come  short  of  it  ?  Thine  eyes,  thine  ears,  and  all  thy 
senses,  may  prove  delusions,  sooner  than  a  promise 
of  God  can  delude  thee.  Thou  mayst  be  surer  of 
that  which  is  written  in  the  word,  than  if  thou  didst 
see  it  with  thine  eyes,  or  feel  it  with  thine  hands. 
Art  thou  sure  thou  art  alive,  or  that  this  is  earth 
thou  standest  on,  or  that  thine  eyes  see  the  sun  ?  As 
sure  is  all  this  glory  to  the  saints ;  as  sure  shall  I 
be  higher  than  yonder  stars,  and  live  for  ever  in  the 
holy  city,  and  joyfully  sound  forth  the  praises  of 
my  Redeemer ;  if  I  be  not  shut  out  by  this  '  evil 
heart  of  unbelief,'  causing  me  to  '  depart  from  the 
living  God.' 

s.  R.  35* 


414  '  CONTEMPLATION 

9.  '*  And  is  this  rest  so  sweet  and  so  sure  ?  Then 
what  mean  the  careless  world  1  Know  they  what 
they  neglect  ?  Did  they  ever  hear  of  it,  or  are  they 
yet  asleep,  or  are  they  dead  ?  Do  they  certainly 
know  that  the  crown  is  before  them,  while  they  thus 
sit  still,  or  follow  trifles  ?  Undoubtedly  they  are  be- 
side themselves,  to  mind  so  much  their  provision  by 
the  way,  when  they  are  hasting  so  fast  to  another 
world,  and  their  eternal  happiness  lies  at  stake. 
Were  there  left  one  spark  of  reason,  they  would 
never  sell  their  rest  for  toil,  nor  their  glory  for 
worldly  vanities,  nor  venture  heaven  for  sinful  plea- 
sure. Poor  men  !  O  that  you  would  once  consider 
what  you  hazard,  and  then  you  would  scorn  these 
tempting  baits !  Blessed  for  ever  be  that  love  which 
hath  rescued  me  from  this  bewitching  darkness  ! 

10.  "  Draw  yet  nearer,  O  my  soul !  with  thy  most 
fervent  love.  Here  is  matter  for  it  to  work  upon, 
something  worth  thy  loving.  O  see  what  beauty 
presents  itself!  Is  not  all  the  beauty  in  the  world 
united  here?  Is  not  all  other  beauty  but  deformity? 
Dost  thou  now  need  to  be  persuaded  to  love  ?  Here 
is  a  feast  for  thine  eyes,  and  all  the  powers  of  thy 
soul :  dost  thou  need  entreaties  to  feed  upon  it  ?  Canst 
thou  love  a  little  shining  earth,  a  walking  piece  of 
clay  ?  and  canst  thou  not  love  that  God,  that  Christ, 
that  glory,  which  are  so  truly  and  unmeasurably 
lovely?  Thou  canst  love  thy  friend,  because  he 
loves  thee;  and  is  the  love  of  a  friend  like  the  love 


EXEMPLIFIED.  415 

of  Christ?  Their  weeping  or  bleeding  for  thee, 
does  not  ease  thee,  nor  stay  the  course  of  thy  tears 
or  blood;  but  the  tears  and  blood  that  fell  from  thy 
Lord,  have  a  sovereign,  healing  virtue.  O  my 
soul !  if  love  deserves,  and  should  beget  love,  what 
incomprehensible  love  is  here  before  thee !  Pour  out 
all  the  store  of  thy  affections  here,  and  all  is  too 
little.  O  that  it  were  more  !  O  that  it  were  many 
thousand  times  more  !  Let  him  be  first  served,  that 
served  thee  first.  Let  him  have  the  first-born  and 
strength  of  thy  soul,  who  parted  with  strength,  and 
life,  and  love  for  thee. — O  my  soul !  dost  thou  love 
for  excellency  ?  Yonder  is  the  region  of  light ;  this 
is  the  land  of  darkness.  Yonder  twinkling  stars, 
that  shining  moon,  and  radiant  sun,  are  all  but  lan- 
terns, hung  out  of  thy  Father's  house,  to  light  thee 
while  thou  walkest  in  this  dark  world.  But  how 
little  dost  thou  know  the  glory  and  blessedness  that 
are  within  ! — Dost  thou  love  for  suitableness  ? 
What  person  more  suitable  than  Christ  ?  His  God- 
head and  humanity,  his  fullness  and  freeness,  his 
willingness  and  constancy,  all  proclaim  him  thy 
most  suitable  friend.  What  state  more  suitable  to 
thy  misery,  than  mercy  1  or  to  thy  sin  and  pollu- 
tion, than  honor  and  perfection  ?  What  place  more 
suitable  to  thee  than  heaven  ?  Does  this  world 
agree  with  thy  desires  ?  Hast  thou  not  had  a  suffi- 
cient trial  of  it,  or  dost  thou  love  for  interest  and 
near  relation  ?  Where  hast  thou  better  interest  than 
in  heaven,  or  nearer  relation  than  there  ? 


416  '  CONTEMPLATION 

"  Dost  thou  love  for  acquaintance  and  familiarity  ? 
Though  thine  eyes  have  never  seen  thy  Lord,  yet 
thou  hast  heard  his  voice,  received  his  benefits,  and 
lived  in  his  bosom.   He  taught  thee  to  know  thyself 
and  him ;  he  opened  thee  that  first  window,  through 
which  thou  sawest  into  heaven.    Hast  thou  forgot- 
ten since  thy  heart  was  careless,  and  he  awakened 
it ;  hard,  and  he  softened  it ;  stubborn,  and  he  made 
it  yield ;  at  peace,  and  he  troubled  it ;  whole,  and  he 
broke  it ;  and  broken,  till  he  healed  it  again  ?    Hast 
thou  forgotten  the  times  when   he  found  thee  in 
tears ;  when  he  heard  thy  secret  sighs  and  groans, 
and  left  all  to  come  and  comfort  thee;  when  he  took 
thee,  as  it  were,  in  his  arms,  and  asked  thee.  Poor 
soul,  what  ails  thee  ?   Dost  thou  weep,  when  I  have 
wept  so  much  ?  Be  of  good  cheer ;  thy  wounds  are 
saving,  and  not  deadly ;  it  is  I  have  made  them,  who 
mean  thee  no  hurt ;  though  I  let  out  thy  blood,  I 
will  not  let  out  thy  life.  I  remember  his  voice.  How 
gently  did  he  take  me  up !     How  carefully  did  he 
dress  my  wounds  !     Methinks  I  hear  him  still  say- 
ing to  me,  '  Poor  sinner,  though  thou  hast  dealt  un- 
kindly with  me,  and  cast  me  off,  yet  I  will  not  do 
so  by  thee.    Though  thou  hast  set  light  by  me  and 
all  my  mercies,  yet  they  and  myself  are  all  thine. 
What  wouldst  thou  have,  that  I  can  give  thee  ?  And 
what  dost  thou  want,  that  I  cannot  give  thee  ?  If  any 
thing  I  have  will  give  thee  pleasure,  thou  shalt  have 
it.  Wouldst  thou  have  pardon  ?  I  freely  forgive  thee 


EXEMPLIFIED.  417 

all  the  debt.  Wouldst  thou  have  grace  and  peace  ? 
Thou  shalt  have  them  both.  Wouldst  thou  have 
myself?  Behold,  I  am  thine,  thy  Friend,  thy  Lord, 
thy  Brother,  Husband,  and  Head.  Wouldst  thou 
have  the  Father  ?  I  will  bring-  thee  to  him,  and  thou 
shalt  have  him,  in  and  by  me.'  These  were  my 
Lord's  reviving  words.  After  all,  when  I  was  doubt- 
ful of  his  love,  methinks  I  yet  remember  his  over- 
coming arguments  :  '  Have  I  done  so  much,  sinner, 
to  testify  my  love,  and  yet  dost  thou  doubt  ?  Have  I 
offered  thee  myself  and  love  so  long,  and  yet  dost 
thou  question  my  willingness  to  be  thine  ?  At  what 
dearer  rate  should  I  tell  thee  that  I  love  thee  ?  Wilt 
thou  not  believe  my  bitter  passion  proceeded  from 
love  ?  Have  I  made  myself  in  the  Gospel  a  lion  to 
thine  enemies,  and  a  lamb  to  thee,  and  dost  thou 
overlook  my  lamb-like  nature  ?  Had  I  been  willing 
to  let  thee  perish,  what  need  I  have  done  and  suf- 
fered so  much  ?  What  need  I  follow  thee  with  such 
patience  and  importunity  ?  Why  dost  thou  tell  me 
of  thy  wants  ;  have  I  not  enough  for  me  and  thee  ? 
or  of  thy  unworthiness ;  for  if  thou  wast  thyself 
worthy,  what  shouldst  thou  do  with  my  worthiness  ? 
Did  I  ever  invite,  or  save,  the  worthy  and  right- 
eous ?  or  is  there  any  such  upon  earth  ?  Hast  thou 
nothing  ?  art  thou  lost  and  miserable,  helpless  and 
forlorn  ?  Dost  thou  believe  I  am  an  all-sufficient 
Savior,  and  wouldst  thou  have  me  ?  Lo,  I  am 
thine  ;  take  me ;  if  thou  art  willing,  I  am  ;  and  nei- 


418         '  CONTEMPLATION 

ther  sin  nor  Satan  shall  break  the  match.'  These,  O 
these,  were  the  blessed  words  which  his  Spirit  from 
his  Gospel  spoKe  unto  me,  till  he  made  me  cast  my- 
self at  his  feet,  and  cry  out,  '  My  Savior  and  my 
Lord,  thou  hast  broken,  thou  hast  revived  my  heart ; 
thou  hast  overcome,  thou  hast  won  my  heart ;  take  it, 
it  is  thine  ;  if  such  a  heart  can  please  thee,  take  it ; 
if  it  cannot,  make  it  such  as  thou  wouldst  have  it.' 
Thus.  O  my  soul,  mayst  thou  remember  the  sweet 
familiarity  thou  hast  had  Avith  Christ ;  therefore,  if 
acquaintance  will  cause  affection,  let  out  thy  heart 
unto  him.  It  is  he  that  hath  stood  by  thy  bed  of 
sickness,  hath  eased  thy  pains,  refreshed  thy  weari- 
ness, and  removed  thy  fears.  He  hath  been  always 
ready,  when  thou  hast  earnestly  sought  him ;  hath 
met  thee  in  public  and  private ;  hath  been  found  of 
thee  in  the  congregation,  in  thy  house,  in  thy  closet, 
in  the  field,  in  thy  waking  nights,  in  thy  deepest 
dangers. 

"  If  bounty  and  compassion  be  an  attractive  of 
love,  how  unmeasurably,  then,  am  I  bound  to  love- 
him  !  All  the  mercies  that  have  filled  up  my  life, 
all  the  places  that  ever  I  abode  in,  all  the  societies 
and  persons  I  have  been  conversant  with,  all  my 
employments  and  relations,  every  condition  I  have 
been  in,  and  every  change  I  have  passed  through, 
all  tell  me  that  the  fountain  is  overflowing  good- 
ness. Lord,  what  a  sum  of  love  am  I  indebted  to 
thee  !  And  how  does  my  debt  continually  increase  ! 


EXEMPLIFIED.  410 

How  should  I  love  again  for  so  much  love  ?  But 
shall  I  dare  to  think  of  requiting  thee,  or  of  recom- 
pensing all  thy  love  with  mine  ?  Will  my  mite  re- 
quite thee  for  thy  golden  mines ;  my  seldom  wishes, 
for  thy  constant  bounty ;  mine,  which  is  nothing,  or 
not  mine,  for  thine,  which  is  infinite,  and  thine  own? 
Shall  I  dare  to  contend  in  love  with  thee,  or  set  my 
borrowed,  languid  spark,  against  the  sun  of  love  ? 
Can  I  love  as  high,  as  deep,  as  broad,  as  long,  as 
Love  itself?  as  much  as  he  that  made  me,  and  that 
made  me  love,  and  gave  me  all  that  little  which  I 
have  ?  As  I  cannot  match  thee  in  the  works  of  pow- 
er, nor  make,  nor  preserve,  nor  rule  the  worlds ;  no 
more  can  I  match  thee  in  love.  No,  Lord,  I  yield ; 
I  am  overcome.  O  blessed  conquest !  Go  on  vic- 
toriously, and  still  prevail,  and  triumph  in  thy  love. 
The  captive  of  love  shall  proclaim  thy  victory ;  Avhen 
thou  leadest  me  in  triumph  from  earth  to  heaven, 
from  death  to  life,  from  the  tribunal  to  the  throne; 
mjT-self,  and  all  that  see  it,  shall  acknowledge  thou 
hast  prevailed,  and  all  shall  saj'-,  '  Behold,  how  he 
loved  him!'  Yet  let  me  love  in  subjection  to  thy 
love ;  as  thy  redeemed  captive,  though  not  thy  peer. 
Shall  I  not  love  at  all,  because  I  cannot  reach  thy 
measure  ?  O  that  I  could  feelingly  say,  '  I  love  thee,' 
even  as  I  love  my  friend  and  myself!  Though  I 
cannot  say,  as  the  apostle,  '  Thou  knowest  that  I 
love  thee ;'  yet  I  can  say,  Lord,  thou  knowest  that 
I  would  love  thee.    I  am  angry  with  my  heart,  that 


420  CONTEMPLATION 

it  doth  not  love  thee  ;  I  chide  it,  yet  it  doth  not  mend  : 
I  reason  Avith  it,  and  would  fain  persuade  it,  yet  I  do 
not  perceive  it  stir :  I  rub  and  chafe  it  in  the  use  of 
ordinances,  and  yet  I  feel  it  not  Avarm  within  me. 
Unworthy  soul !  is  not  thine  eye  now  upon  the  only 
lovely  object  ?  Art  thou  not  nov/  beholding-  the  ra- 
vishing- glory  of  the  saints  ?  And  dost  thou  not  love? 
Art  thou  not  a  rational  soul,  and  should  not  reason 
tell  thee  that  earth  is  a  dungeon  to  the  celestial  glo* 
ry  ?  Art  thou  not  thyself  a  spirit,  and  shouldst  thou 
not  love  God,  '  Avho  is  a  spirit,  and  the  Father  of 
spirits  V  Why  dost  thou  love  so  much  thy  perish' 
ing  cla}',  and  love  no  more  the  heavenly  glory  ? 
Shalt  thou  love  Avhen  thou  comest  there ;  when  the 
Lord  shall  take  thy  carcass  from  the  grave,  and 
make  thee  fhine  as  the  sim  in  glory  for  ever  and 
ever;  shalt  thou  then  love,  or  shalt  thou  not?  Is 
not  the  place  a  meeting  of  loA^ers  ?  Is  not  the  life  a 
state  of  love?  Is  it  not  the  great  marriage-day  of 
the  Lamb  ?  Is  not  the  employment  there  the  Avork 
of  love,  Avhere  the  souls  AA'ith  Christ  take  their  fill  ? 
O  then,  my  soul,  begin  it  here  !  '  Be  sick  A\'ith  love' 
now,  that  thou  mayst  be  well  Avith  love  there.  '  Keep 
thyself  now  '  in  the  love  of  God  ;'  and  let  '  neither 
life,  nor  death,  nor  anything,  separate  thee  from  it;' 
and  thou  shalt  be  kept  in  the  fullness  of  love  for  ever, 
and  nothing  shall  imbitter  or  abate  thy  pleasure ;  for 
the  Lord  hath  prepared  a  city  of  love,  a  place  for 
communicating  love  to  his  chosen,  '  and  they  that 
love  his  name  shall  dAA-ell  therein.' 


EXEMPLIFIED-  421 

*'  Awake,  then,  O  my  drowsy  soul !  To  sleep  un* 
der  the  light  of  grace  is  unreasonable,  much  more 
in  the  approach  of  the  light  of  glory.  Come  forth, 
my  dull,  congealed  spirit :  thy  Lord  bids  thee  '  re 
joice,  and  again  rejoice.'  Thou  hast  lain  long  enough 
in  thy  prison  of  flesh,  where  Satan  hath  been  thy 
jailer  ;  cares  have  been  thy  irons,  fears  thy  scourges, 
and  thy  food  the  bread  and  w^ater  of  affliction ;  where 
sorrows  have  been  thy  lodgings,  and  thy  sin  and 
foes  have  made  thy  bed,  and  an  unbelieving  heart 
hath  been  the  gates  and  bars  that  have  kept  thee  in  : 
the  angel  of  the  covenant  now  calls  thee,  and  bids 
thee  '  arise  and  follow  him.'  Up,  O  my  soul !  and 
cheerfully  obey,  and  thy  bolts  and  bars  shall  all 
fly  open :  follow  the  Lamb  whithersoever  he  goeth. 
Shouldst  thou  fear  to  follow  such  a  guide  ?  Can  the 
sun  lead  thee  to  a  state  of  darkness  ?  Will  he  lead 
thee  to  death,  who  died  to  save  thee  from  it  ?  FoIIoav 
him,  and  he  will  show  thee  the  paradise  of  God;  he 
Vv^ill  give  thee  a  sight  of  the  New  Jerusalem,  and  a 
taste  of  the  tree  of  life.  Come  forth,  my  drooping 
soul,  and  lay  aside  thy  winter  dress  ;  let  it  be  seen, 
by  thy  '  garments  of  joy  and  praise,'  that  the  spring 
is  come ;  and  as  thou  now  seest  thy  comforts  green, 
thou  shalt  shortly  see  them  '  white  and  ripe  for  har- 
vest,' and  then  thou  shalt  be  called  to  reap,  and  ga- 
ther, and  take  possession.  Should  I  suspend  and 
delay  my  joys  till  then  ?  Should  not  the  joys  of  the 
spring  go  before  the  joys  of  harvest  ?  Is  title  nothing 

s.  R.  "      36 


A'Z'Z  CONTEMPLATION 

before  possession  ?  Is  the  heir  in  no  better  a  state 
than  a  slave  ?  My  Lord  hath  taught  me  to  rejoice  in 
hope  of  his  glory ;  and  how  to  see  it  through  the 
bars  of  a  prison  ;  for,  when  persecuted  for  righteous- 
ness' sake,  he  commands  me  to  '  rejoice  and  be  ex- 
ceeding glad,  because  'my  reward  in  heaven  is 
great.'  I  know  he  would  have  my  joys  exceed  my 
sorrows ;  and  as  much  as  he  delights  in  '  the  hum- 
ble and  contrite,  he  yet  more  delights  in  the  soul 
that  '  delights  in  him.'  Hath  my  Lord  spread  me  a 
table  in  this  wilderness,  and  furnished  it  with  the 
promises  of  everlasting  glory,  and  set  before  me  an- 
gels' food?  Doth  he  frequently  and  importunately 
invite  me  to  sit  down,  and  feed,  and  spare  not  ?  Flath 
he,  to  that  end,  furnished  me  with  reason,  and  faith, 
and  a  joyful  disposition ;  and  is  it  possible  that  he 
should  be  unwilling  to  have  me  rejoice  ?  Is  it  not 
his  command  to  '  delight  thyself  in  the  Lord ;'  and 
his  promise,  to  '  give  thee  the  desires  of  thine  heart?' 
Art  thou  not  charged  to  '  rejoice  evermore ;'  yea,  to 
'  sing  aloud,  and  shout  for  joy  ?  Why  should  I,  then, 
be  discouraged  ?  My  God  is  willing,  if  I  were  but 
willing.  He  is  delighted  in  my  delights.  He  would 
have  it  my  constant  frame,  and  daily  business,  to  bo 
near  him  in  my  believing  meditations,  and  to  live  in 
the  sweetest  thoughts  of  his  goodness.  O  blessed 
employment,  fit  for  the  sons  of  God  !  But  thy  feast, 
my  Lord,  is  nothing  to  me  without  an  appetite. 
7'hou  hast  set  the  dainties  of  heaven  before  me  ;  bui 


EXEMPLIFIED.  423 

alas  !  I  am  blind,  and  cannot  see  them  !  I  am  sick, 
and  cannot  relish  them  !  I  am  so  benumbed,  that  I 
cannot  put  forth  a  hand  to  take  them !  I  therefore 
humbly  beg  this  grace,  that,  as  thou  hast  opened 
heaven  to  me  in  thy  word,  so  thou  wouldst  open 
mine  eyes  to  see  it,  and  my  heart  to  delight  in  it . 
else  heaven  will  be  no  heaven  to  me.  O  thou  Spirit 
of  life  !  breathe  upon  thy  graces  in  me ;  take  me  by 
the  hand,  and  lift  me  from  the  earth,  that  I  may  see 
what  glory  '  thou  hast  prepared  for  them  that  love 
thee  !' 

"  Away,  then,  ye  soul-tormenting  cares  and  fears, 
ye  heart-vexing  sorrows !  At  least  forbear  a  little 
while  :  stand  by :  stay  here  below,  till  I  go  up  and 
see  my  rest.  The  way  is  strange  to  me,  but  not  to 
Christ.  There  was  the  eternal  abode  of  his  glorious 
Deity ;  and  thither  hath  he  also  brought  his  glori- 
fied flesh.  It  was  his  work  to  purchase  it ;  it  is  his 
to  prepare  it,  and  to  prepare  me  for  it,  and  bring  me 
to  it.  The  eternal  God  of  truth  hath  given  me  his 
promise,  his  seal,  and  oath,  that, '  believing  in  Christ, 
I  shall  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.'  Thi- 
ther shall  my  soul  be  speedily  removed,  and  my  bo- 
dy very  shortly  follow.  And  can  my  tongue  say 
that  I  shall  shortly  and  surely  live  with  God,  and 
yet  my  heart  not  leap  within  me  ?  Can  I  say  it  with 
faith,  and  not  with  joy?  Ah,  faith,  how  sensibly  do 
I  now  perceive  thy  weakness  !  But  though  unbelief 
darken  ray  light,  and  dull  my  life,  and  suppress  my 


424  CONTEMPLATION 

joys,  it  shall  not  be  able  to  conquer  and  destroy  me ; 
though  it  envy  all  my  comforts,  yet  some,  in  spite 
of  it,  I  shall  even  here  receive ;  and  if  that  did  not 
hinder,  what  abundance  might  I  have  !  The  light 
of  heaven  would  shine  into  my  heart,  and  I  might 
be  almost  as  familiar  there  as  I  am  on  earth.  Come 
awa)^  then,  my  soul ;  stop  thine  ears  to  the  igno- 
rant language  of  infidelity ;  thou  art  able  to  answer 
nil  its  arguments  ;  or,  if  thou  art  not,  yet  tread  them 
under  thy  feet.  Come  away ;  stand  not  looking  on 
that  grave,  nor  turning  those  bones,  nor  reading 
thy  lesson  now  in  the  dust ;  those  lines  will  soon 
be  wiped  out.  But  lift  up  thy  head  and  look  to  hea- 
ven, and  see  thy  name  written  in  golden  letters  '  in 
the  book  of  life  of  the  Lamb  that  was  slain.'  What 
if  an  angel  should  tell  thee  that  there  is  a  mansion 
in  heaven  prepared  for  thee,  that  it  shall  certainly 
be  thine  for  ever;  would  not  such  a  message  make 
thee  glad  ?  And  dost  thou  make  light  of  the  infalli- 
ble Word  of  Promise,  which  was  delivered  by  the 
Spirit,  and  even  by  the  Son  himself?  Suppose  thou 
hadst  seen  a  fiery  chariot  come  for  thee,  and  fetch 
thee  up  to  heaven,  like  Elijah ;  would  not  this  re- 
joice thee  ?  But  thy  Lord  assures  thee  that  the  soul 
of  a  Lazarus  hath  a  convoy  of  angels  to  carry  it  into 
Abraham's  bosom.  Shall  a  drunkard  be  so  merry 
among  his  cups,  or  the  glutton  in  his  delicious  fare, 
and  shall  not  I  rejoice,  who  must  shortly  be  in  hea- 
ven ?  Can  meat  and  drink  delight  me  when  I  hun- 


EXEMPLIFIED.  425 

ger  and  thirst  1  Can  I  find  pleasure  in  walks  and 
gardens,  and  convenient  dwellings  ?  Can  beautifu. 
objects  delight  my  eyes ;  or  grateful  odors  my  smell  ; 
or  melody  my  ears  ?  and  shall  not  the  forethought 
of  celestial  bliss  delight  me  ?  Methinks  among  my 
books  I  could  employ  mj'-self  in  sweet  content,  and 
bid  the  world  farewell,  and  pity  the  rich  and  great 
that  know  not  this  happiness ;  what  then  will  my 
happiness  in  heaven  be,  where  my  knowledge  will 
be  perfect !  If  '  the  queen  of  Sheba  came  from  the 
utmost  parts  of  the  earth  to  hear  the  wisdom  of  So- 
lomon,' and  see  his  glory ;  how  cheerfully  should  I 
pass  from  earth  to  heaven,  to  see  the  glory  of  the 
eternal  majesty,  and  attain  the  height  of  wisdom, 
compared  \Y\Xh.  which  the  most  learned  on  earth  are 
but  fools  and  idiots !  What  if  God  had  made  me 
commander  of  the  earth ;  what  if  I  could  '  remove 
mountains,  heal  diseases  with  a  word  or  a  touch,  or 
cast  out  devils,'  should  I  not  rejoice  in  such  privi- 
leges and  honors  as  these,  and  shall  I  not  much 
more  rejoice  that  my  name  is  written  in  heaven  ? 
I  cannot  here  enjoy  my  parents,  or  my  near  and  be- 
loved friends,  without  some  delight ;  especially,  when 
I  did  freely  let  out  my  affection  to  my  friend,  how 
sweet  was  that  exercise  of  my  love  !  O  what  will  it 
then  be  to  live  in  the  perpetual  love  of  God  !  '  For 
brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity  here,  how  good 
and  how  pleasant  it  is  !'  To  see  a  family  live  in 
love ;  husband  and  wife,  parents,  children,  and  ser- 
s.   R.  36* 


426         '  CONTEMPLATION 

vants  doing  all  in  love  to  one  another ;  to  see  a  town 
live  together  in  love,  without  any  envyings,  brawl- 
ings,  or  contentions,  law-suits,  factions,  or  divisions, 
but  every  man  loving  his  neighbor  as  himself,  think- 
ing they  can  never  do  too  much  for  one  another, 
but  striving  to  go  beyond  each  other  in  love ;  how 
happy,  how  delightful  a  sight  is  this  !  O  then,  what 
blessed  society  will  the  family  of  heaven  be,  and 
those  peaceful  inhabitants  of  the  New  Jerusalem, 
where  there  is  no  division  nor  differing  judgments, 
no  disaffection  nor  strangeness,  no  deceitful  friend- 
ship, no,  not  one  unkind  expression,  not  an  angry 
look  or  thought :  but  all  are  one  in  Christ,  who  is 
one  with  the  Father,  and  all  live  in  the  love  of  him 
who  is  love  itself!  The  soul  is  not  more  where  it 
lives,  than  where  it  loves.  How  near,  then,  will  my 
soul  be  united  to  God,  when  I  shall  so  heartily, 
strongly,  and  incessantly  love  him  !  Ah,  wretched, 
unbelieving  heart,  that  can  think  of  such  a  day,  and 
work,  and  life  as  this,  with  such  low  and  feeble  joys  ! 
But  my  future  enjoyments  will  be  more  lively. 

"  How  delio-htful  is  it  to  me  to  behold  and  study 
these  inferior  works  of  creation  !  What  a  beautiful 
fabric  do  we  here  dwell  in ;  the  floor  so  dressed 
with  herbs,  and  flowers,  and  trees,  and  watered  with 
springs  and  rivers  ;  the  roof  so  widely  expanded,  so 
admirably  adorned !  What  v/onders  do  sun,  moon, 
and  stars,  seas  and  winds,  contain  !  And  hath  God 
prepared  such  a  house  for  corruptible  flesh,  for  a  soul 


EXEMPLIFIED.  427 

imprisoned  ?  and  doth  he  bestow  so  many  millions  of 
wonders  upon  his  enemies  ?  O  what  a  dwelling  must 
that  be  which  he  prepares  for  his  dearly  beloved 
children  !  and  how  will  the  glory  of  the  New  Jeru- 
salem exceed  all  the  present  glory  of  the  creatures  ! 
Arise,  then,  O  my  soul,  in  thy  contemplation,  and  let 
thy  thoughts  of  that  glory  as  far  exceed  in  sweetness 
thy  thoughts  of  the  excellencies  below  !  Fear  not  to 
go  out  of  this  body,  and  this  world,  when  thou  must 
make  so  happy  a  change :  but  say,  as  one  did  when 
he  was  dying,  '  I  am  glad,  and  eVen  leap  for  joy,  that 
the  time  is  come,  in  which  that  mighty  Jehovah, 
whose  majesty  in  my  search  of  nature  I  have  admir- 
ed, whose  goodness  I  have  adored,  whom  by  faith  I 
have  desired  and  panted  after,  will  now  show  him- 
self to  me  face  to  face.' 

"  How  wonderful,  also,  are  the  works  of  Provi- 
dence !  How  delightful  to  see  the  great  God  inte- 
rest himself  in  the  safety  and  advancement  of  a  few 
humble,  praying,  but  despised  persons ;  and  to  re- 
view those  special  mercies  with  which  my  own  life 
hath  been  adorned  and  sweetened  !  How  often  hath 
my  prayers  been  heard,  my  tears  regarded,  my 
troubled  soul  relieved !  How  often  hath  my  Lord 
bid  me  be  of  good  cheer  !  What  a  support  are  these 
experiences,  these  clear  testimonies  of  my  Father's 
love,  to  my  fearful,  unbelieving  heart !  O  then,  what 
a  blessed  day  will  that  be,  when  I  shall  have  all 
mercy,  perfection  of  mercy,  and  fully  enjoy  the  Lord 


428  CONTEMPLATION 

of  mercy ;  when  I  shall  stand  on  the  shore,  and 
look  back  on  the  raging  seas  I  have  safely  passed ; 
when  I  shall  review  my  pains  and  sorrows,  my 
fears  and  tears,  and  possess  the  glory  which  was 
the  end  of  all !  If  one  drop  of  lively  faith  was  mix- 
ed with  these  considerations,  what  a  heaven-ravish- 
ing heart  should  I  carry  within  me  !  Fain  would  '  I 
believe ;   Lord,  help  my  unbelief 

"  How  sweet,  O  my  soul,  have  ordinances  been  to 
thee!  What  delight  hast  thou  had  in  prayer  and 
thanksgiving,  under  heavenly  sermons,  and  in  the 
society  of  saints,  and  to  see  '  the  Lord  adding  to  the 
church  such  as  should  be  saved  !'  How,  then,  can  my 
heart  conceive  the  joy  which  I  shall  have  to  see  the 
perfected  church  in  heaven,  and  to  be  admitted  into 
the  celestial  temple,  and  with  the  heavenly  host 
praise  the  Lord  for  ever  ?  If  the  word  of  God  was 
sweeter  to  Job  than  his  necessary  food,  and  to  David 
than  honey  and  the  honeycomb,  and  was  the  joy 
and  rejoicing  of  Jeremiah's  heart;  how  blessed  a 
day  will  that  be,  when  we  shall  fully  enjoy  the  Lord 
of  this  word,  and  shall  no  more  need  these  written 
precepts  and  promises,  nor  read  any  book  but  the 
face  of  the  glorious  God  !  If  they  that  heard  Christ 
speak  on  earth  '  were  astonished  at  his  wisdom  and 
answers,  and  wondered  at  the  gracious  words  that 
proceeded  out  of  his  mouth ;'  how  shall  I,  then,  be 
affected  to  behold  him  in  his  majesty  ! 

"  Can  the  prospect  of  his  glory  make  others  wel- 


EXEMPLIFIED.  429 

come  the  cross,  and  even  refuse  deliverance;  and 
cannot  it  make  thee  cheerful  under  lesser  suffer- 
ings ?  Can  it  sweeten  the  flames  of  martyrdom,  and 
not  sweeten  thy  life,  or  thy  sickness,  or  thy  natural 
death  ?  Is  it  not  the  same  heaven  which  they  and 
I  must  live  in  ?  Is  not  their  God,  their  Christ,  their 
crown,  and  mine,  the  same  ?  And  shall  I  look  upon 
it  with  an  eye  so  dim,  a  heart  so  dull,  a  countenance 
so  dejected  ?  Some  small  foretastes  of  it  have  I  my- 
self had ;  and  how  much  more  delightful  have  they 
been  than  any  earthly  things  ever  were  I  and  what, 
then,  will  the  full  enjoyment  be  ! 

"  What  a  beauty  is  there  here  in  the  imperfect 
graces  of  the  Spirit !  Alas  !  how  small  are  these  to 
what  we  shall  enjoy  in  our  perfect  state !  What  a 
happy  life  should  I  here  live,  could  I  but  love  God 
as  much  as  I  would ;  could  I  be  all  love,  and  al- 
ways loving  !  O  my  soul,  v/hat  wouldst  thou  give 
for  such  a  life  ?  Had  I  such  apprehensions  of  God, 
such  knowledge  of  his  word  as  I  desire ;  could  I 
fully  trust  him  in  all  my  straits  ;  could  I  be  as  live- 
ly as  I  would  in  every  duty ;  could  I  make  God  my 
constant  desire  and  delight ;  I  would  not  envy  the 
world  their  honors  or  pleasures.  What  a  blessed 
state,  O  my  soul !  wilt  thou  shortly  be  in,  when  thou 
shalt  have  far  more  of  these  than  thou  canst  now 
desire,  and  shalt  exercise  thy  perfected  graces  in  the 
immediate  vision  of  God,  and  not  in  the  dark,  and 
at  a  distance,  as  novr! 


430         I  CONTEMTLATION 

"  Is  the  sinning,  afflicted,  persecuted  church  of 
Christ  so  much  more  excellent  than  any  particular 
gracious  soul  ?  What  then  will  the  church  be  when 
it  is  fully  gathered  and  glorified ;  when  it  is  ascend- 
ed from  the  valley  of  tears  to  Mount  Sion  ;  when  it 
shall  sm  and  suffer  no  more  !  The  glory  of  the  Old 
Jerusalem  will  be  darkness  and  deformity  to  the 
glory  of  the  New.  What  cause  shall  we  have,  then, 
to  shout  for  joy,  when  we  shall  see  how  glorious 
the  heavenly  temple  is,  and  remember  the  mearmess 
of  the  church  on  earth  ! 

12.  •'  But,  alas  !  what  a  loss  am  I  at  in  the  midst 
of  my  contemplations  !  I  thought  my  heart  had  all 
the  while  attended,  but  I  see  it  hath  not.  What  life 
is  there  in  empty  thoughts  and  words,  without  affec 
tions?  Neither  God,  nor  I,  tmd  pleasure  in  them. 
Where  hast  thou  been,  unworthy  hean,  while  I  was 
opening  to  thee  the  everlasting  treasures  ?  Art  thou 
not  ashamed  to  complain  so  much  of  an  uncomforta- 
ble life,  and  to  murmur  at  God  for  filling  thee  with 
sorrows,  when  he  in  vain  offers  thee  the  delights  of 
angels  ?  Hadst  thou  now  but  followed  me  close,  it 
would  have  made  thee  revive,  and  leap  for  joy,  and 
forget  thy  pains  and  sorrows.  Did  I  think  my  heart 
had  been  so  backward  to  rejoice  ? 

13.  "  Lord,  thou  hast  reserved  my  perfect  joys  for 
heaven ;  therefore,  help  me  to  desire  till  I  may  pos- 
sess, and  let  me  long  when  I  cannot,  as  I  would,  re- 
joice.   O  my  soul,  thou  knowest,  to  thy  sorrow,  that 


EXEMPLIFIED.  431 

thou  art  not  yet  at  thy  rest.  When  shall  I  arrive  at 
that  safe  and  quiet  harbor,  where  there  are  none  of 
these  .storms,  waves,  and  dangers ;  when  I  shall  ne- 
ver more  have  a  weary,  restless  night  or  day  ?  Then 
my  life  will  not  be  such  a  mixture  of  hope  and  fear, 
of  joy  and  sorrow;  nor  shall  flesh  and  spirit  be  com- 
bating within  me ;  nor  faith  and  unbelief,  humility 
and  pride,  maintain  a  continual  conflict.  O  when 
shall  I  be  past  these  soul-tormenting  fears,  and  cares, 
and  griefs  ?  When  shall  I  be  out  of  this  soul-contra- 
dicting, ensnaring,  deceitful  flesh ;  this  corruptible 
body,  this  vain,  vexatious  world  ?  Alas,  that  I  must 
stand  and  see  the  church,  and  cause  of  Christ  tossed 
about  in  contention,  and  made  subservient  to  private 
interests  or  deluded  fancies  !  There  is  none  of  this 
disorder  in  the  heavenly  Jerusalem ;  there  I  shall 
find  a  harmonious  concert  of  perfected  spirits,  obey- 
ing and  praising  their  everlasting  King.  O  how 
much  better  to  be  a  door-keeper  there,  than  the  com- 
mander of  this  tumultuous  world  !  Why  am  I  no 
more  weary  of  this  weariness  ?  Why  do  I  so  forget 
my  resting-place  ?  Up  then,  O  my  soul,  in  thy  most 
raised  and  fervent  desires  !  Stay  not  till  this  flesh 
can  desire  with  thee ;  expect  not  that  sense  should 
apprehend  thy  blessed  object,  and  tell  thee  when  and 
what  to  desire.  Doth  not  the  dullness  of  thy  desires 
after  rest  accuse  thee  of  most  detestable  ingratitude 
and  folly  ?  Must  thy  Lord  procure  thee  a  rest  at  so 
dear  a  rate,  and  dost  thou  no  more  value  it  ?    Must 


432        '  CONTEMPLATION 

he  go  before  to  prepare  so  glorious  a  mansion  (of 
such  a  wretch,  and  art  thou  loth  to  go  and  possess 
it  ?  Shall  the  Lord  of  glory  be  desirous  of  thy  com- 
pany, and  thou  not  desirous  of  his  ?  Must  earth  be- 
come a  very  hell  to  thee  before  thou  art  willing  to 
be  with  God  ?  Behold  the  most  lovely  creature,  or 
the  most  desirable  state,  and  tell  me,  where  wouldst 
thou  be  if  not  with  God  ?  Poverty  is  a  burden  ;  riches 
a  snare ;  sickness  unpleasing :  health  unsafe ;  the 
frowning  world  bruises  thy  heel ;  the  smiling  Avorld 
stings  thee  to  the  heart ;  so  much  as  the  world  is 
loved  and  delighted  in,  it  hurts  and  endangers  the 
lover ;  and  if  it  may  not  be  loved,  wh}?-  should  it  be 
desired  ?  If  thou  art  applauded,  it  proi-es  the  most 
contagious  breath ;  if  thou  art  vilified,  or  unkindly 
used,  methinks  this  should  not  entice  thy  love.  If 
thy  successful  labors,  and  thy  godly  friends,  seem 
better  to  thee  than  a  life  with  God,  it  is  time  for  God 
to  take  them  from  thee.  If  thy  studies  have  been 
sweet,  have  they  not  also  been  bitter  ?  And,  at  best, 
what  are  they  to  the  everlasting  views  of  the  God  of 
truth  ?  Thy  friends  here  have  been  thy  delight,  and 
have  they  not  also  been  thy  vexation  and  grief? 
They  are  gracious,  and  are  they  not  also  sinful  ? 
They  are  kind,  and  are  they  not  soon  displeased  ? 
They  are  humble,  but,  alas,  how  proud  also  !  Their 
graces  are  sweet,  and  their  gifts  helpful ;  but  are  not 
their  corruptions  bitter,  and  their  imperfections  hurt- 
ful ?  And  art  thou  so  loth  to  go  from  them  to  thy  God? 


EXEMPLIFIED.  433 

"  O  my  soul,  look  above  this  world  of  sorrows  ! 
Hast  thou  so  lon^  felt  the  smarting  rod  of  affliction, 
and  no  better  understood  its  meaning  ?  Is  not  every 
stroke  to  drive  thee  hence  ?  Is  not  its  voice  like  that 
to  Elijah,  '  What  dost  thou  here  V  Dost  thou  forget 
thy  Lord's  prediction?  '  In  the  world  ye  shall  have 
tribulation;  in  me  ye  may  have  peace!'  Ah,  my 
dear  Lord,  I  feel  thy  meaning;  it  is  writt-en  in  my 
flesh,  engraved  in  my  bones.  My  heart  thou  aim- 
est  at ;  thy  rod  drives,  thy  silken  cord  of  love  draws ; 
and  all  to  bring  it  to  thyself  Lord,  can  such  a  heart 
be  worth  thy  having  ?  Make  it  woethy,  and  then  it 
is  thine ;  take  it  to  thyself,  and  then  take  me.  This 
clod  hath  life  to  stir,  but  not  to  rise.  As  the  feeble 
child  to  the  tender  mother,  it  looketh  up  to  thee,  and 
stretcheth  our  the  hands,  and  fain  would  have  thee 
take  it  up.  Though  I  cannot  say, '  My  soul  longeth 
after  thee ;'  yet  I  can  say,  I  long  for  such  a  longing 
heart.  *  The  spirit  is  willing,  the  flesh  is  weak.'  My 
spirit  cries,  *  Let  thy  kingdom  come,'  or  let  me  come 
to  thy  kingdom  ;  but  the  flesh  is  afraid  thou  shouldst 
hear  my  prayer,  and  take  me  at  my  word.  O  blessed 
be  thy  grace,  which  makes  use  of  my  corruptions  to 
kill  themselves ;  for  I  fear  my  fears,  and  sorrow  for 
my  sorrows,  and  long  for  greater  longings ;  and 
thus  the  painful  means  of  attaining  my  desires  in- 
crease mv  weariness,  and  that  makes  me  groan  to 
be  at  rest. 

•'  Indeed,  Lord,  my  soul  itself  is  in  a  strait,  and 


434  CONTEMPLATION 

what  to  choose  I  know  not ;  but  thou  knowest  what 
to  g-ive :  '  to  depart  and  be  with  thee,  is  far  better ;' 
but  'to  abide  in  the  flesh  seems  needful.'  Thou 
knowest  I  am  not  weary  of  thy  work,  but  of  sorrow 
and  sin ;  I  am  Avilling  to  stay  while  thou  wilt  em- 
ploy me,  and  despatch  the  work  thou  hast  put  into 
my  hands  ;  but,  I  beseech  thee,  stay  no  longer  when 
this  is  done ;  and  while  I  must  be  here,  let  me  be 
still  amending  and  ascending ;  make  me  still  better, 
and  take  me  at  the  best.  I  dare  not  be  so  impatient 
as  to  importune  thee  to  cut  off  my  time,  and  snatch 
me  hence  unready ;  because  I  know  my  everlasting 
state  so  much  depends  on  the  improvement  of  this 
life.  Nor  would  I  stay  when  my  work  is  done ;  and 
remain  here  sinning,  while  my  brethren  are  triumph- 
ing. Thy  footsteps  bruise  this  worm,  while  those 
stars  shine  in  the  firmament  of  glory.  Yet  I  am  thy 
child  as  well  as  they ;  Christ  is  my  Head  as  well 
as  theirs ;  why  is  there,  then,  so  great  a  distance  ? 
But  I  acknowledge  the  equity  of  thy  ways ;  though 
we  are  all  children,  yet  I  am  the  prodigal,  and  there- 
fore more  fit,  in  this  remote  country,  to  feed  on 
husks,  while  they  are  always  with  thee,  and  pos- 
sess thy  glory.  They  were  once  themselves  in  my 
condition,  and  I  shall  shortly  be  in  theirs.  They 
were  of  the  lowest  form  before  they  came  to  the 
highest ;  they  suffered,  before  they  reigned ;  they 
'  came  out  of  great  tribulation,  who  are  now  before 
thy  throne ;'  and  shall  I  not  be  content  to  come  to 


EXEMPLIFIED.  485 

th«  crown  as  they  did ;  and  to  '  drink  of  their  cup, 
before  I  sit  with  them  in  the  kingdom  ?'  Lord,  I  am 
content  to  stay  thy  time,  and  go  thy  way,  so  thou 
vvih  exalt  me  also  in  thy  season,  and  take  me  into  thy 
barn  when  thou  seest  me  ripe-  In  the  meantime, 
I  may  desire,  though  I  am  not  to  repine ;  I  may  be- 
lieve and  wish,  though  not  make  any  sinful  haste ; 
I  am  willing  to  wait  for  thee,  but  not  to  lose  thee ; 
and  when  thou  seest  me  too  contented  with  thine 
absence,  then  quicken  my  languid  desires,  and  blow 
up  the  dying  spark  of  love ;  and  leave  me  not  until 
I  am  able  unfeignedly  to  cry  out,  '  As  the  hart  pant- 
eth  after  the  Avater  brooks,  so  panteth  my  soul  after 
thee,  O  God !  My  soul  thirsteth  for  God,  for  the 
living  God ;  when  shall  I  come  and  appear  before 
God  ?  My  conversation  is  in  heaven,  from  whence 
I  look  for  a  Savior.  My  affections  are  set  on  things 
above,  where  Christ  sitteth,  and  my  life  is  hid.  I 
walk  by  faith,  and  not  by  sight ;  willing  rather  to 
be  absent  from  the  body,  and  present  with  the  Lord.' 
"  What  interest  hath  this  empty  world  in  me  ;  and 
what  is  there  in  it  that  may  seem  so  lovely  as  to  en- 
tice my  desires  from  my  God,  or  make  me  loth  to 
come  away  ?  Methinks,  when  I  look  upon  it  with  a 
deliberate  eye,  it  is  a  howling  wilderness,  and  too  ma- 
ny of  its  inhabitants  are  untamed  monsters.  I  can  view 
all  its  beauty  and  deformity,  and  drown  all  its  plea-"" 
sures  in  a  few  penitent  tears ;  or  the  wind  of  a  sigh 
will  scatter  them  away,  O  let  not  this  flesh  so  se- 


436  CONTEMPLATION 

duce  my  soul  as  to  make  it  prefer  this  weary  life 
before  the  joys  that  are  about  thy  throne!  And 
though  death  itself  be  unwelcome  to  nature,  yet  let 
thy  grace  make  thy  glory  appear  to  me  so  desira- 
ble, that  the  king  of  terrors  may  be  the  messenger 
of  my  joy.  Let  not  my  soul  be  ejected  by  violence, 
and  dispossessed  of  its  habitation  against  its  will ;  but 
draw  it  to  thyself  by  the  secret  power  of  thy  love,  as 
the  sunshine  in  the  spring  draws  forth  the  creatures 
from  their  winter  cells ;  meet  it  half-way,  and  en- 
tice it  to  thee,  as  the  loadstone  doth  the  iron,  and  as 
the  greater  flame  attracts  the  less  !  Dispel,  there- 
fore, the  clouds  that  hide  thy  love  from  me ;  or  re- 
move the  scales  that  hinder  mine  eyes  from  behold- 
ing thee ;  for  the  beams  that  stream  from  thy  face, 
and  the  foretastes  of  thy  great  salvation,  and  no- 
thing else,  can  make  a  soul  unfeignedly  say,  '  Now 
let  thy  servant  depart  in  peace !'  But  it  is  not  thy 
ordinary  discoveries  that  will  here  suffice ;  as  the 
work  is  greater,  so  must  thy  help  be.  O  turn  these 
fears  into  strong  desires,  and  this  lothness  to  die  in- 
to longings  after  thee !  While  I  must  be  absent 
from  thee,  let  my  soul  as  heartily  groan  as  my  body 
doth  under  its  want  of  health !  If  I  have  any  more 
time  to  spend  on  earth,  let  me  live  as  without  the 
world  in  thee,  as  I  have  sometimes  lived  as  without 
thee  in  the  world  !  While  I  have  a  thought  to  think, 
let  me  not  forget  thee ;  or  a  tongue  to  move,  let  me 
mention  thee  with  delight ;  or  breath  to  breathe,  let 


EXEMPLIFIED.  437 

■jt  be  after  thee,  and  for  thee :  or  a  knee  to  bend,  let 
.  il  daily  bow  at  thy  footstool ;  and  when  by  sickness 
thou  confinest  me,  do  thou  *  make  my  bed,  number 
my  pains,  and  put  all  my  tears  into  thy  bottle  !' 

"  As  my  flesh  desired  what  my  spirit  abhorred, 
so  now  let  my  spirit  desire  that  day  which  my  flesh 
abhorreth ;  that  my  friends  may  not  with  so  much 
sorrow  wait  for  the  departure  of  my  soul,  as  my 
soul  with  joy  shall  Avait  for  its  own  departure !  Then 
•let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  let  my 
last  end  be  like  his ;'  even  a  removal  to  that  glory 
which  shall  never  end !  Then  let  thy  convoy  of  an- 
gels bring  my  departing  soul  among  the  perfected 
spirits  of  the  just,  and  let  me  follow  my  dear  friends 
that  have  died  in  Christ  before  me ;  and,  while  my. 
sorrowing  friends  are  weeping  over  my  grave,  let 
my  spirit  be  reposed  with  thee  in  rest ;  and  while 
my  corpse  shall  lie  rotting  in  the  dark,  let  my  soul 
be  in  '  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light !'  O  thou 
that  numberest  the  very  hairs  of  my  head,  number 
all  the  days  that  my  body  lies  in  the  dust ;  and  thou 
that  '  writest  all  my  members  in  thy  book,'  keep  an 
account  of  my  scattered  bones  !  O  my  Savior,  hasten 
the  time  of  thy  return;  send  forth  thy  angels,  and 
let  that  dreadful,  joyful  trumpet  sound!  Delay  not, 
lest  the  living  give  up  their  hopes ;  delay  not,  lest 
earth  should  grow  like  hell,  and  thy  church,  by  di- 
vision, be  all  crumbled  to  dust ;  delay  not,  lest  thy 
enemies  get  advantage  of  thy  flock,  and  lest  pride, 

s.  R.  37*  * 


438  CONTEMPLATION 

hypocrisy,  sensuality  and  unbelief  prevail  against 
thy  little  remnant,  and  share  among  them  thy  whole 
inheritance,  and  when  thou  comest,  thou  find  not 
faith  on  the  earth ;  delay  not,  lest  the  grave  should 
boast  of  victory,  and,  having  learned  rebellion  of  its 
guest,  should  refuse  to  deliver  thee  up  thy  due  !  O 
hasten  that  great  resurrection-day,  when  thy  com- 
mand shall  go  forth,  and  none  disobey :  when  '  the 
sea  and  the  earth  shall  yield  up  their  hostages,  and 
all  that  sleep  in  the  grave  shall  awake,  and  the  dead 
in  Christ  shall  rise  first;'  when  the  seed  which 
thou  sowest  corruptible,  shall  come  forth  incorrup- 
tible ;  and  graves  that  received  rottenness  and  dust, 
shall  return  thee  glorious  stars  and  suns  !  Therefore 
dare  I  lay  down  my  body  in  the  dust,  intrusting  it, 
not  to  a  grave,  but  to  thee ;  and  therefore  my  flesh 
shall  rest  in  hope,  till  thou  shalt  raise  it  to  the  pos- 
session of  everlasting  rest.  '  Return,  O  Lord,  how 
long  ?  O  let  thy  kingdom  come !'  Thy  desolate 
*  bride  saith.  Come  !'  for  thy  spirit  within  her  saith, 
Come ;  and  teacheth  her  thus  to  '  pray  with  groan- 
ings  which  cannot  be  uttered ;  yea,  the  whole  crea- 
tion saith.  Come,  waiting  to  be  delivered  from  the 
bondage  of  corruption  into  the  glorious  liberty  of 
the  children  of  God.'  Thou  thyself  hast  said,  '  Sure- 
ly I  come  quickly;  Amen.  Even  so,  come,  Lord 
Jesus.'  " 


EXEMPLIFIED.  439 


COKCIiUSZOK. 


Thus,  reader,  I  have  given  thee  my  best  advice 
for  maintaining  a  heavenly  conversation.  If  thou 
canst  not  thus  meditate  methodically  and  fully,  yet  do 
it  as  thou  canst ;  only  be  sure  to  do  it  seriously  and 
frequently.  Be  acquainted  with  this  heavenly  work, 
and  thou  wilt,  in  some  degree,  be  acquainted  with 
God  ;  thy  joys  will  be  spiritual,  prevalent,  and  last- 
ing, according  to  the  nature  of  their  blessed  object ; 
thou  wilt  have  comfort  in  life  and  death.  When 
thou  hast  neither  wealth,  nor  health,  nor  the  plea- 
sures of  this  world,  yet  wilt  thou  have  comfort. 
Without  the  presence  or  help  of  any  friend,  with- 
out a  minister,  without  a  book,  when  all  means  are 
denied  thee,  or  taken  from  thee,  yet  mayst  thou  have 
vigorous,  real  comfort.  Thy  graces  will  be  mighty, 
active,  and  victorious ;  and  the  daily  joy  which  is 
thus  fetched  from  heaven,  will  be  thy  strength. 
Thou  wilt  be  as  one  that  stands  on  the  top  of  an 
exceeding  high  mountain ;  he  looks  down  on  the 
world  as  if  it  were  quite  below  him;  fields  and 
wood«,  cities  and  towns,  seem  to  him  but  little  spots. 
Thus  despicably  wilt  thou  look  on  all  things  here 
below.  The  greatest  princes  will  seem  but  as  grass- 
hoppers ;  the  busy,  contentious,  covetous  world,  but 
as  a  heap  of  ants.    Men's  threatenings  will  be  no 


440  CONTEMPLATION 

terror  to  thee,  nor  the  honors  of  this  world  any- 
strong  enticement ;  temptations  will  be  more  harm- 
less, as  having  lost  their  strength ;  and  afflictions 
less  grievous,  as  having  lost  their  sting ;  and  every 
mercy  will  be  better  known  and  relished.  It  is  now, 
under  God,  in  thy  own  choice,  whether  thou  wilt 
live  this  blessed  life  or  not ;  and  whether  all  this 
pains  I  have  taken  for  thee  shall  prosper,  or  be  lost. 
If  it  be  lost  through  thy  laziness,  thou  thyself  wilt 
prove  the  greatest  loser.  O  man,  what  hast  thou 
to  mind  but  God  and  heaven  ?  Art  thou  not  almost 
out  of  this  world  already  ?  Dost  thou  not  look  every 
day,  when  one  disease  or  other  will  let  out  thy  soul  ? 
Does  not  the  grave  wait  to  be  thine  house,  and  worms 
to  feed  upon  thy  face  and  heart  ?  What  if  thy  pulse 
must  beat  a  few  strokes  more?  What  if  thou  hast  a 
little  longer  to  breathe,  before  thou  breathe  out  thy 
last ;  a  few  more  nights  to  sleep,  before  thou  sleepest 
in  the  dust  ?  Alas !  what  will  this  be,  when  it  is 
gone?  And  is  it  not  almost  gone  already?  Very 
shortly  thou  wilt  see  thy  glass  run  out,  and  say  to 
thyself,  "  My  life  is  done  !  My  time  is  gone  !  it  is 
past  recalling !  There  is  nothing  now  but  heaven 
or  hell  before  me!"  Where,  then,  should  thy  heart 
De  noNV,  but  in  heaven  ?  Didst  thou  know  what  a 
dreadful  thing  it  is  to  have  a  doubt  of  heaven  when 
a  man  is  dying,  it  would  rouse  thee  up.  And  what 
else  but  doubt  can  that  man  then  do,  that  never  seri- 
ously thought  of  heaven  before 


EXEMPLIFIED.  441 

Some  there  be  that  say,  "  It  is  not  worth  so  much 
time  and  trouble  to  think  of  the  greatness  of  the 
joys  above ;  if  we  can  make  sure  they  are  ours,  we 
know  they  are  great."  But  as  these  men  obey  not 
the  command  of  God,  which  requires  them  to  have 
their  "  conversation  in  heaven,  and  to  set  their  affec- 
tions on  things  above  ;"  so  they  willfully  make  their 
own  lives  miserable,  by  refusing  the  delights  v/hich 
God  hath  set  before  them.  And  if  this  were  all,  it 
were  a  small  matter ;  but  see  what  abundance  of 
other  mischiefs  follow  the  neglect  of  these  heavenly 
delights.  This  neglect  will  damp,  if  not  destroy, 
their  love  to  God — will  make  it  unpleasant  to  them 
to  think  or  speak  of  God,  or  engage  in  his  service 
— it  tends  to  pervert  their  judgments  concerning  the 
ways  and  ordinances  of  God — it  makes  them  sensu- 
al and  voluptuous — it  leaves  them  under  the  power 
of  every  affliction  and  temptation,  and  is  a  prepa- 
rative to  total  apostacy — it  will  also  make  them  fear- 
ful and  unwilling  to  die ;  for  who  would  go  to  God  or 
a  place  he  hath  no  delight  in  ?  who  would  leave  his 
pleasure  here,  if  he  had  not  better  to  go  to  ?  Had 
I  only  proposed  a  course  of  melancholy,  and  fear, 
and  sorrow,  you  might  reasonably  have  objected. 
But  you  must  have  heavenly  delights,  or  none  that 
are  lasting.  God  is  willing  you  should  daily  walk 
with  him,  and  fetch  in  consolations  from  the  ever- 
lasting fountain :  if  you  are  unwilling,  even  bear 
the  loss  ;  and,  when  you  are  dying,  seek  for  comfort 


442         *  CONTEMPLATION 

where  you  can  get  it,  and  see  whether  fleshly  de- 
lights will  remain  with  you,  then  conscience  will 
remember,  in  spite  of  you ;  that  you  were  once  per- 
suaded to  a  way  for  more  excellent  pleasures — plea- 
sures that  would  have  followed  you  through  death, 
and  have  lasted  to  eternity. 

As  for  you,  whose  hearts  God  hath  weaned  from 
all  things  here  below,  I  hope  you  will  value  this 
heavenly  life,  and  take  one  walk  every  day  in  the 
New  Jerusalem.  God  is  your  love  and  your  desire  ; 
you  would  fain  be  more  acquainted  with  your  Sa- 
vior ;  and  I  know  it  is  your  grief,  that  your  hearts 
are  not  nearer  to  him,  and  that  they  do  not  more 
feelingly  love  him,  and  delight  in  him.  O  try  this 
life  of  meditation  on  your  heavenly  rest !  Here  is 
the  mount  on  which  the  fluctuating  ark  of  your 
souls  may  rest.  Let  the  world  see,  by  your  heavenly 
lives,  that  religion  is  something  more  than  opin- 
ions and  disputes,  or  a  task  of  outward  duties.  If 
ever  a  Christian  is  like  himself,  and  answerable  to 
his  principles  and  profession,  it  is  when  he  is  most 
serious  and  lively  in  this  duty.  As  Moses,  before  he 
died,  went  up  into  Mount  Nebo,  to  take  a  survey  of 
the  land  of  Canaan  ;  so  the  Christian  ascends  the 
mount  of  contemplation,  and  by  faith  surveys  his 
rest.  He  looks  upon  the  glorious  mansions,  and 
says,  •'  Glorious  things  are  "  deservedly  "  spoken  ot 
thee,  thou  city  of  God!"  He  hears,  as  it  were,  the 
melody  of  the  heavenly  choir,  and  says,  "  Happy  is 


EXEMPLIFIED. 


443 


the  people  that  are  in  such  a  case ;  yea,  happy  is 
that  peo[)le  whose  God  is  the  Lord!"    He  looks 
upon  the   glorified  inhabitants,  and  says,   "  Happy 
art  thou,  O  Israel ;  who  is  like  unto  thee,  O  people, 
saved  by  the  Lord,  the  shield  of  thy  help,  and  who 
is  the  sword  of  thine  excellency !"    When  he  looks 
upon  the  Lord  himself,  who  is  their  glory,  he  is 
ready,  with  the  rest,  to  "  fall  down  and  worship  him 
that  livelh  for  ever  and  ever,  and  say.  Holy,  holy, 
holy.  Lord  God  Almighty,  who  Avas,  and  is,  and  is 
to  come  !    Thou  art  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive  glory, 
and  honor,  and  power  !"    When  he  looks  on  the  glo- 
rified Savior,  he  is  ready  to  say  Amen  to  that  "  New 
song,  Blessing,  and  honor,  aiid  glory,  and  poAver  be 
unto  Him  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the 
Lamb,  for  ever  and  ever.     For  thou  wast  slain,  and 
hast  redeemed  us  to  God  by  thy  blood,  out  of  every 
kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people,  and  nation ;  and 
hast  made  us,  unto  our  God,  kings  and  priests  !" 
When  he  looks  back  on  the  wilderness  of  this  world, 
he  blesses  the  believing,  patient,  despised  saints  ;  he 
pities  the  ignorant,  obstinate,  miserable  world ;  and 
for  himself  he  says,  as  Peter,  "  It  is  good  to  be  here;" 
or,  as  Asaph,   "  It  is  good  for  me  to  draw  near  to 
God  ;  for,  io,  they  that  are  far  from  thee  shall  perish." 
I'hus  as  Daziidl,  in  his  captivity,  daily  opened  his 
window  towards  Jerusalem,  though  far  out  of  sight, 
vrhen  he  went   to  God  in  his  devotions  ;  so  may  the 
believing  soul,  in  this  csptiyity  of  the  flesh,  look  to- 


444  CONTEMPLATION 

wards  "  Jerusalem  which  is  above."  And  as  Paul 
was  to  the  Colossians,  so  may  the  believer  be  with 
the  glorified  spirits,  "  though  absent  in  the  flesh,  yet 
with  them  in  the  spirit,  joying  and  beholding  their 
heavenly  order."  And  as  the  lark  sweetly  sings 
while  she  soars  on  high,  but  is  suddenly  silenced 
when  she  falls  to  the  earth ;  so  is  the  frame  of  the 
soul  most  delightful  and  divine  while  it  keeps  in 
the  views  of  God  by  heavenly  contemplation.  Alas, 
we  make  there  too  short  a  stay,  fall  down  again, 
and  lay  by  our  music  ! 

But  "  O  thou,  the  merciful  Father  of  spirits,  the 
attractive  of  love,  and  ocean  of  delights,  draw  up 
these  drossy  hearts  unto  thyself,  and  keep  them 
there  till  they  are  spiritualized  and  refined ;  and 
second  thy  servant's  weak  endeavors,  and  persuade 
those  that  read  these  lines,  to  the  practice  of  this 
delightful,  heavenly  work!  O  suffer  not  the  soui 
of  thy  most  unworthy  servant  to  be  a  stranger  to 
those  joys  which  he  describes  to  others ;  but  keep 
me,  while  I  remain  on  earth,  in  daily  breathings 
after  thee,  and  in  a  believing,  afl^ectionate  walking 
with  thee  !  And  when  thou  comest,  let  me  be  found 
so  doing ;  not  serving  my  flesh,  nor  asleep,  with  rny 
lamp  unfurnished ;  but  waiting  and  longing  for  my 
Lord's  return  !  Let  those  who  shall  read  these  hea- 
venly directions,  not  merely  read  the  fruit  of  my  stu- 
dies, but  the  breathing  of  my  active  hope  and  love  ; 
that  if  my  heart  were  open  to  their  view,  they  might 


EXEMPLIFIED.  445 

there  read  the  same  most  deeply  engraven  wiih  a 
beam  f'-om  the  face  of  the  Son  of  God ;  and  not  find 
vanity,  or  lust,  or  pride  within,  when  the  words  of 
life  appear  without ;  that  so  these  lines  may  not  wit- 
ness against  me  ;  but  proceeding  from  the  heart  of 
the  writer,  may  be  effectual,  through  thy  grace,  upon 
the  heart  of  the  reader,  and  so  be  the  savor  of  life  to 
both!   Amen." 

"  Glory  be  to  God  in  the  highest ;  on  earth  peace^ 
good-will  toward  men." 


THE    END. 


S.    R.  SS 


Date  Due 

y^^^)  ^ 

^E2^    ■ 

^  ^ini 

•», 

"  M. 

• 

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